Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Trinidad and Tobago on July 3–4 marked a historic milestone, being his first official trip to the Caribbean nation as India’s prime minister. More significantly, it was the first bilateral visit by an Indian prime minister to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999, reviving and reinforcing a long-standing connection with the Indian diaspora in the region.
Though this was Modi’s first formal visit in his current capacity, his relationship with Trinidad and Tobago dates back to August 2000, when he visited as the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) general secretary to attend the World Hindu Conference in Port of Spain. Organised by the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, the event, held at the Cascadia Hotel, brought together more than a thousand delegates from across the globe under the theme: ‘Aatmanam Mokshartham Jagat Hitaya Cha’
In his keynote address, Modi spoke passionately about the ancient Hindu ideal Aatmanam Mokshartham Jagat Hitaya Cha, emphasising individual spiritual liberation in service of global well-being. He underscored the importance of unity and cultural preservation, particularly among people of Indian origin who had journeyed far from their ancestral homeland but continued to uphold their heritage.
The conference served as a powerful platform for dialogue and reflection. Among the prominent attendees were then Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Basdeo Panday, RSS Sarsanghchalak K. Sudarshan Ji, Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji, and Ashok Singhal Ji. The Indian delegation was equally notable, featuring leaders from the BJP, VHP, and RSS, including Shankaracharya Swami Divyanand Teerth Ji. A vibrant group from Guyana also participated, including Justice Nandram Kissoon Ji, Swami Aksharananda Ji, and Agriculture Minister Pandit Reepudaman Persaud.
Modi’s speech resonated deeply with the audience. Within months, in November 2000, Modi was appointed the BJP’s general secretary in-charge of organisation, a role historically held by only two others since the Jana Sangh era. By the following year, he had become the chief minister of Gujarat.
During his 2000 visit, Modi took time to travel through villages in Trinidad, meeting members of the Indian community and learning about their journey through history and their deep-rooted cultural ties to India. He commended their efforts to preserve their religious and cultural identity despite the passage of generations and the challenges posed by geography.
The Trinidad and Tobago conference was part of a wider movement to strengthen global Hindu unity. It followed earlier gatherings in Nairobi (1998) and South Africa (1995) and acted as a prelude to the World Summit of Spiritual and Religious Leaders at the United Nations later that August. The ideas shared in Port of Spain contributed to discussions at that summit, where Modi also participated, joining over 2,000 spiritual leaders in New York.
Modi’s recent return to Trinidad and Tobago as prime minister echoes the vision he shared 25 years ago, calling for societal progress rooted in spiritual values. His leadership continues to reflect those same ideals of unity, peace, and collective well-being, highlighting an enduring commitment to cultural diplomacy and global harmony.
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