On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar with sacred water from the confluence of the Ganges and Saryu rivers, along with a replica of the Ram Temple. Addressing the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, Modi emphasized the historical and cultural significance of Bihar, praised the courage of the Indian diaspora, and referred to Persad-Bissessar as 'the daughter of Bihar.' He reminisced about their ancestral ties and requested her to offer the sacred water from the Saryu and the Kumbh Mela in the Caribbean nation.

Modi expressed confidence that India would soon rank among the world's top three economies, highlighting that artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, and quantum computing are becoming new engines of growth. Speaking to a gathering of expatriates, he stated that India is a land of opportunities, with its development benefiting the most needy.

He remarked, 'For New India, even the sky is not the limit.' Modi's visit to Trinidad and Tobago marks the first bilateral trip by an Indian Prime Minister to this Caribbean island nation since 1999. Over 4,000 attendees, including Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, her cabinet members, and various dignitaries, participated in the event.

During his speech, Modi commended the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, stating, 'They left their land but not their soul.' He added, 'They left behind the Ganges and Yamuna but carried the Ramayana in their hearts. They may have left their soil, but their essence remains. They are not just expatriates; they are messengers of an eternal civilization.'

He acknowledged the contributions of the Indian community to Trinidad and Tobago, stating, 'Their impact on this beautiful country is evident in cultural, economic, and spiritual dimensions.'

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Modi mentioned that he brought a replica of the Ram Temple and some water from the Saryu River. He stated, 'As you all know, the world's largest spiritual gathering, the Kumbh Mela, took place earlier this year. I was fortunate to bring back water from the Kumbh.'

He requested Prime Minister Kamla to offer the sacred water from the Saryu River and Kumbh Mela to the Ganges in Trinidad, hoping it would bring prosperity to the local people. Modi also noted that India is actively working on creating a comprehensive database of the Girmitiya community, which consists of indentured laborers brought from India during British rule to work in plantations in Fiji, South Africa, Mauritius, and Caribbean countries.

In his address, Modi highlighted the resilience of the Indian economy and its growth trajectory. He stated, 'India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world, and we will soon be among the top three economies globally. The benefits of India's growth and progress are reaching the most needy.' He emphasized that India has demonstrated that empowering the poor can eradicate poverty, instilling a belief among millions that the country can be free from poverty.

Modi pointed out that India's development is being driven by its 'innovative and energetic' youth. He noted, 'India is now the third-largest startup hub in the world, with nearly half of these startups having women as directors. Approximately 120 startups have achieved unicorn status.' He added, 'National missions for AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing are becoming new engines of growth, and innovation is turning into a people's movement.'

Modi also showcased India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI), stating it has revolutionized digital payments. He remarked, 'Almost 50% of the world's instant digital transactions occur in India. I congratulate Trinidad and Tobago for becoming the first country in the region to adopt UPI.' He quipped, 'Sending money will soon be as easy as sending a 'good morning' message on mobile, and I promise it will be faster than West Indies bowling.'

The Prime Minister underscored India's rapid advancements in infrastructure, defense, and manufacturing. Prior to his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Modi concluded a two-day trip to Ghana, where he was welcomed at Piarco International Airport by Persad-Bissessar. Following a formal welcome, he was honored with a 'Guard of Honor.'