PM Modi Trinidad Visit: Holy Water and Ram Temple Replica Symbolize Cultural Bonds

On the second leg of his five-nation tour, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday, July 3, 2025. The visit marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between India and the Caribbean nation.

During his official engagements, Prime Minister Modi held talks with Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamala Prasad-Bissessar, focusing on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, culture, and technology. In a symbolic and culturally rich gesture, Prime Minister Modi presented her with the holy water from the Sangam and Saryu rivers, collected during the Maha Kumbh. He also gifted her a replica of the under-construction Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

The offerings were seen as not just spiritual symbols, but also as reflections of shared cultural and ancestral bonds between the two countries.

In his address to the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Modi affectionately referred to Prime Minister Prasad-Bissessar as "Bihar ki beti" (daughter of Bihar). He highlighted her Indian roots, mentioning that her ancestors hailed from Buxar, Bihar — a place he had personally visited.

"To stand here and speak about this connection is a matter of pride. It strengthens our cultural bridge and unites our people emotionally," Modi said.

The visit has been well received by the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, which constitutes a significant portion of the country's population. With deep-rooted historical ties dating back to the 19th century, the Indian diaspora plays a vital role in maintaining strong people-to-people links between the two nations.

Prime Minister Modi’s next stop on the tour will take him further into the Latin American region as he continues to promote India’s global outreach and diplomacy.