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‘Thrill of cricket and spice of pepper': PM Modi reflects on India–Trinidad and Tobago relations
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday highlighted the deep cultural and strategic ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago, equating the relationship with the 'thrill of cricket and the spice of pepper.'
Speaking during his official visit to the Caribbean nation shortly after receiving Trinidad and Tobago highest civilian honour, PM Modi said the strong cultural harmony between the two countries is a cornerstone of their bilateral relationship.
#WATCH | Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago | PM Modi says, "There is the thrill of cricket and the spice of pepper in our relations... Deep harmony between two cultures is a great strength of our relations. As a close and trusted partner, we have been emphasising skill… pic.twitter.com/EYvvGQ2hPL — ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025
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''There is the thrill of cricket and the spice of pepper in our relations… Deep harmony between two cultures is a great strength of our relations. As a close and trusted partner, we have been emphasising skill development and capacity building for the people of Trinidad and Tobago,' the Prime Minister said.
He added that the partnership holds broader significance for the Global South, with both countries committed to working together for the welfare of their people.
'As two vibrant democracies, we will continue to collaborate closely in advancing mutual interests,' PM Modi said.
Talking about friendship between the two countries, he said people from India who came the country 180 years ago laid the foundation of close ties between the two nations.
'People from India who came here 180 years ago laid the foundation of our friendship. Even though their hands were empty, their thoughts were rich with Indian culture and diversity. The seeds of harmony sown by early Indian immigrants to Trinidad and Tobago have contributed to the region's progress,' the Prime Minister said.
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PM Modi said that President Christine Kangaloo's ancestors hailed from Tamil Nadu, the land of the ancient poet-saint Thiruvalluvar. Citing Thiruvalluvar's teachings from thousands of years ago, PM Modi said that strong nations are defined by six key attributes: a powerful army, patriotic citizens, abundant resources, visionary leadership, strong defences, and steadfast allies.
#WATCH | Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago | PM Modi says, "...President Christine Kangaloo's ancestors were from the land of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Tamil Nadu. Thousands of years ago, Saint Thiruvalluvar stated that strong nations should possess six key qualities: a strong army,… pic.twitter.com/VUnEqMRRe2 — ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025
'Trinidad and Tobago is one such friendly nation for India,' he added.
This visit marks PM Modi's first to Trinidad and Tobago as prime minister, and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country since 1999.
The Prime Minister will also be visiting Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia as part of his tour.
He will be travelling to Brazil during the fourth leg of his visit, from July 5 to July 8, to attend the 17th BRICS Summit 2025, followed by a state visit to the South American country
With inputs from agencies
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