'Bihar ki beti': PM Modi hails ancestral ties of Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad; welcomed with Bhojpuri Chautaal

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday (Thursday in T&T) for a two-day official visit, marking the second leg of his five nation tour.

During his visit to the Caribbean country, he referred to his counterpart, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as “Bihar ki Beti” (daughter of Bihar), highlighting her ancestral roots in Bihar's Buxar.

“Kamla ji’s ancestors lived in Buxar, Bihar. She herself has visited there. People proudly call her Bihar ki Beti,” PM Modi said while addressing the Indian community in the capital Port of Spain. “Many people here have roots in Bihar,” he added, applauding the strong cultural connection between the two nations.

Upon his arrival, he was warmly welcomed at the airport by T&T PM Kamla, who was dressed in Indian attire, along with her entire Cabinet. Many Cabinet members were also seen wearing Indian attire.

Landed in Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago. I thank Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, distinguished members of the Cabinet and MPs for the gesture of welcoming me at the airport. This visit will further cement bilateral ties between our nations. Looking forward to addressing… pic.twitter.com/lyxxnKKfsR

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025

In Port of Spain, PM Modi was greeted with a traditional Bhojpuri Chautaal performance . Sharing the moment on X, the PM wrote: “Bhojpuri Chautaal echoes in Trinidad & Tobago!”

A cultural connect like no other!

Very happy to have witnessed a Bhojpuri Chautaal performance in Port of Spain. The connect between Trinidad & Tobago and India, especially parts of eastern UP and Bihar is noteworthy. pic.twitter.com/O751WpAJc5

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 3, 2025

Addressing the Indian diaspora, he praised their contributions to the country’s development and spoke about their strong ancestral ties to India. He also brought with him a replica of the Ram Mandir and holy water from the Sangam at the Maha Kumbh and the Sarayu River in Ayodhya as a gesture of respect and connection.

#WATCH | Port of Spain: Prime Minister Narendra Modi presents holy water of Sangam and Saryu River from Maha Kumbh and a replica of Ram Mandir to the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

(Video: DD News) pic.twitter.com/o2yMl1Vt9G

— ANI (@ANI) July 4, 2025

PM Modi also highlighted the global importance of Bihar’s heritage, saying: “Bihar’s legacy is a matter of pride not just for India, but for the entire world. From democracy and education to diplomacy, Bihar has shown the way. I believe the land will continue to inspire the 21st century.”

This is his first visit to the country as prime minister and the first bilateral trip by an Indian leader to the Caribbean nation since 1999. The visit comes at the invitation of PM Kamla Persad.