From Bhojpuri to Creole, Dal Puri to Doubles and Tabla to Steel Pan: PM Modi highlights blends of Indian beats to Caribbean rhythm oceans away
PM Modi encapsulated the vibrant tapestry of Indo-Caribbean identity that has evolved over 180 years since the first Indian arrived on the island.
He linked India's Bhojpuri language to the local Creole language and also spoke about the resemblance of culinary cuisines such as Dal Puri to Trinidad's street food, Doubles. Similarly, he also spoke of the musical melding of India's tabla with its steel pan, reflecting a symphony of language, food and music between the two nations that resonates across generations.
'Oceans away, the Indian beats blended beautifully with the Caribbean rhythm. Here, Bhojpuri found harmony with Creole, Dal Puri met with Doubles, and Tabla met the Steel Pan,' the Prime Minister said.
'There is a natural warmth in the connection between our two countries... The relationship between our two countries is based on the foundation of centuries-old bonds. 180 years ago, the first Indian landed on this land after a long and hard journey,' he added.
PM Modi, during his address at the historic Red House, the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, stated that it was not just a political address but a heartfelt acknowledgement of the shared heritage that binds the two nations.
'For us, Indians, democracy is not just a political model but a way of life. We have a rich heritage spanning thousands of years. Many of the parliamentarians here have their ancestors from Bihar, which was a home to Mahajanpads - ancient republics,' he noted.
This cultural exchange, as PM Modi pointed out, extends to politics, poetry, cricket, and commerce, with the Indian-origin people there contributing significantly to the nation's diverse fabric.
'Today, the people of Indian origin are now the proud bearers of the red, black, and white flag. From politics to poetry, cricket to commerce, Calypso to Chutney, they contribute to every field. They are an integral part of the vibrant diversity that you all respect,' he said, acknowledging their role in nation-building.
Prime Minister Modi also emphasised the role of women in India's development, noting their presence in various domains.
'They are strengthening the hands of women to build a modern India. From space to sports, startups to science, education to enterprise, and aviation to armed forces. They are leading India into a new future in various domains,' he added.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister stated that he was 'honoured' to address the parliament.
'It was an honour to address the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago. I spoke of our shared journey rooted in history, culture and the vibrant spirit of our people. I am confident that this partnership will continue to thrive in the times to come. My sincere thanks to the Members of Parliament who attended today's address,' he stated on his X post.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago' (ORTT), the highest national honour of the country.
President of Trinidad and Tobago, Christine Kangaloo, presented PM Modi with the award as he becomes the first foreign leader to be honoured with the award. This is the 25th international honour bestowed upon PM Modi by any country.
Prime Minister Modi earlier also held a bilateral meeting with President Kangaloo in Port of Spain.
'Delighted to meet President Christine Carla Kangaloo. Our discussions covered ways to enhance the bond between India and Trinidad & Tobago, including better economic and cultural linkages,' the PM said in a post on X.
PM Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago is part of a broader five-nation tour taking place from July 2 to July 9.
The Prime Minister's visit to Trinidad and Tobago is his first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit at the Prime Ministerial level 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. (ANI)
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
18 minutes ago
- The Hindu
India, China review border situation, prepare for Special Representatives dialogue
India and China on Wednesday (July 23, 2025) reviewed the overall situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh and prepared the ground for the next edition of the Special Representatives' dialogue on the boundary question. The two sides discussed the issues at a meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) that took place in Delhi. They expressed "satisfaction with the "general prevalence of peace and tranquillity in the border areas, leading to gradual normalisation of bilateral relations", the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said. It said India and China also prepared for the next round of the Special Representatives' (SR) talks to be held in India later this year. While India's Special Representative for the dialogue is National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, the Chinese side is headed by Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Wang is expected to visit India for the upcoming SR talks. The last episode of the SR dialogue was held in Beijing in December last year. On the WMCC talks, the MEA said the two sides reviewed the situation in the India-China border areas. They "agreed to maintain regular exchanges and contacts on issues related to the boundary affairs at the diplomatic and military levels through established mechanisms", it said in a statement. "With a view to advancing effective border management and sustaining peace and tranquillity, the two sides deliberated on various measures as explored during the previous 23rd round of SR talks," the MEA said. The Indian delegation at the WMCC talks was led by Gourangalal Das, the joint secretary (East Asia division) in the MEA. The Chinese side was headed by Hong Liang, the director general of the boundary and oceanic affairs department of the Chinese foreign ministry. Mr. Hong also called on Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Normalising relatoins Over the last nine months, India and China have been engaged in normalising their relations after ending the military face-off along the LAC in October last year. Though the two sides have disengaged troops from the friction points, they are yet to de-escalate the situation by pulling back the frontline forces from the border. Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the LAC in the eastern Ladakh region. The WMCC talks took place days after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited China to attend a conclave of the foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). The military standoff in eastern Ladakh began in May 2020 and a deadly clash in the Galwan valley in June that year resulted in a severe strain in ties between the two neighbours. The face-off effectively ended following the completion of the disengagement process from the last two friction points of Demchok and Depsang under an agreement finalised on October 21 last year. The decision to revive various dialogue mechanisms was taken at a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in the Russian city of Kazan in October last year. The Modi-Xi meeting came two days after India and China firmed up the disengagement pact for Depsang and Demchok.
Indian Express
18 minutes ago
- Indian Express
PM Modi arrives in London ahead of key India-UK free trade agreement signing
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the London early Thursday, ahead of the formal signing of a long-awaited Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the United Kingdom, marking what both countries have described as a turning point in bilateral relations. 'This visit will go a long way in advancing the economic partnership between our nations,' PM Modi said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. 'The focus will be on furthering prosperity, growth and boosting job creation for our people. A strong India-UK friendship is essential for global progress.' PM Modi was greeted by members of the Indian diaspora upon his arrival. Sharing photographs of the welcome on social media, he wrote: 'Touched by the warm welcome from the Indian community in the UK Their affection and passion towards India's progress is truly heartening.' The signing of the trade deal with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to be the centerpiece of PM Modi's visit. Though the agreement was announced on May 6, the final text was pending legal scrubbing. It comes after three years of political upheaval in Britain and follows a sweeping Labour Party victory in the recent general elections. Starmer described the FTA as a 'landmark' achievement and a 'major win for Britain.' He said the agreement would 'create thousands of British jobs across the UK, unlock new opportunities for businesses and drive growth in every corner of the country, delivering on our Plan for Change.' 'We're putting more money in the pockets of hardworking Brits and helping families with the cost of living,' Starmer added. 'We're determined to go further and faster to grow the economy and raise living standards across the UK.' The pact is India's first major trade agreement with a Western nation since it withdrew from talks on the China-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) in 2019. The deal ensures broad market access for goods and services, and addresses key issues such as innovation, government procurement and intellectual property rights. It also includes a Double Contribution Convention Agreement — a social security pact between the two countries. For India, the agreement is expected to boost exports of textiles and leather products, while easing British access to the Indian market for high-end automobiles and whisky. According to India's Commerce and Industry Ministry, the FTA offers tariff elimination on approximately 99 per cent of tariff lines, covering nearly 100 per cent of trade value. According to the UK's Department for Business and Trade, India's average tariff on British goods will fall from 15 per cent to 3 per cent once the FTA is in effect. British companies will benefit from greater access to the Indian market for goods ranging from soft drinks and cosmetics to cars and medical devices. Whisky producers will see tariffs halved immediately, dropping from 150 per cent to 75 per cent, and then gradually reduced to 40 per cent over a decade. British officials also announced that nearly 6 billion pounds in new investment and export agreements had been secured. Twenty-six British companies, including Airbus and Rolls-Royce, are poised to expand in India. Airbus aircraft deliveries to India — more than half powered by Rolls-Royce engines — are set to begin soon.
Time of India
18 minutes ago
- Time of India
PM Modi receives rousing welcome from Indian diaspora in London
Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome from the Indian diaspora upon his arrival in London, with crowds gathering to express their support and admiration.
