35 million diaspora are India’s pride, says PM Modi in Trinidad and Tobago

Thirty-five million members of the Indian diaspora spread across the world are India’s “pride”, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an event of the people of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago on Friday. Addressing the event, Mr. Modi spelt out various cultural, educational and financial measures that India is undertaking to strengthen links between the homeland and the diasporic Indians and announced that sixth generation Indian-origin citizens of Trinidad and Tobago will receive the Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card soon.

“We deeply value the strength and support of our diaspora. With over 35 million people spread across the world, the Indian diaspora is our pride. As I have often said, each one of you is a Rashtradoot — an ambassador of India’s values, culture and heritage,” said Mr. Modi, highlighting the religious connection of the community with India and the Maha Kumbh that took place in Prayagraj earlier this year. Mr. Modi said the Government of India was working to strengthen ties with the Girmitiyas—the former indentured labourers who were taken from India during the colonial period to Indo-Pacific islands such as Mauritius, Fiji, southern Africa and the Caribbeans.