Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi last week announced a major policy shift that will now allow sixth-generation descendants of Indian migrants in Trinidad and Tobago to apply for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI). The declaration, made during a cultural celebration at the packed Couva Velodrome, was met with thunderous applause.
“Today I am happy to announce that OCI cards will now be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago,” Modi declared, highlighting deepening ties between India and its Caribbean diaspora.
OCI is a form of permanent residency granted to persons of Indian origin who are citizens of other countries. It allows holders to live, work, and travel freely in India, with a few restrictions. Applications can be made through the Indian High Commission in Port of Spain, provided documentation tracing ancestry is submitted.
Modi reflected on the longstanding bond between the two nations, noting that India is building a diaspora database to trace the origins of Indian descendants and preserve the historical migration legacy. He also announced plans for global conferences to reinforce these ties.
“You are not just connected by blood and belonging,” Modi said warmly, extending a heartfelt welcome. He praised the presence of former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the event, calling her the “daughter of Bihar”—the Indian state from which many ancestors emigrated.
The Indian leader described his visit as a moment of “immense pride and joy” and thanked Persad-Bissessar for her warm welcome and tribute. Referring to the country as the “beautiful land of hummingbirds,” Modi added, “It feels completely natural, after all we are part of one family.”
He paid tribute to the resilience of early Indian migrants: “Friends, I know that the journey of the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago is about courage. The circumstances your ancestors faced would have broken even the strongest priest, but they faced hardships with hope.”
He also celebrated the achievements of the Indo-Trinidadian community, highlighting Persad-Bissessar’s historic role as the country’s first female Prime Minister. He acknowledged other prominent figures including President Christine Kangaloo, former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday, scientist Rudranath Capildeo, musical icon Sundar Popo, cricketer Daren Ganga, and Sewdass Sadhu, the builder of the Temple in the Sea.
“You are not defined by struggle anymore… You are defined by your success, your service and your values. Honestly, there must be something magical in the doubles and dhalpuri because you have doubled the success of this great nation,” Modi joked, sparking cheers.
Modi noted the global presence of 35 million people of Indian origin and shared that both President Kangaloo and Persad-Bissessar have been honored in India.
Closing his visit, Modi expressed gratitude to Persad-Bissessar for bestowing on him Trinidad and Tobago’s highest national honor—the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT).
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