We cheer for West Indies, except vs India, PM quips in Trinidad and Tobago

During his address to Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament, PM Modi said Indians cheer passionately for the West Indies cricket team except when they play against India. He also highlighted shared democratic values, diaspora ties, and women's empowerment.

In Short

• PM Modi addressed Trinidad and Tobago's joint Parliament assembly
• Modi praised Indian diaspora's 180-year contribution to nation's culture and politics
• He alos praised women leaders and highlighted strong democracy in both countries

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a joint assembly of Trinidad and Tobago's Parliament on Friday.

During his address to the joint assembly of Trinidad and Tobago’s Parliament, he struck a chord with a light-hearted remark on cricket, saying, “I must say, Indians are among the most passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team. We cheer for them with all our heart, except when they are playing against India.”

The comment drew smiles and applause as PM Modi used cricket to reflect the warm ties between the two nations.

The PM also highlighted the historical, cultural, and democratic ties between the two nations, while also appreciating the vibrant Indian diaspora’s contributions to the Caribbean country.

During his speech, Prime Minister Modi drew attention to the role of the Indian community in shaping Trinidad and Tobago’s political and cultural landscape.

"180 years ago, the first Indians arrived on this land after a long and hard journey, oceans away. The Indian beats blended beautifully with the Caribbean rhythm. From politics to poetry, cricket to commerce - they contribute to every field,” he said.

PM Modi praised the leadership of Trinidad and Tobago for empowering women, especially by electing two women leaders to the country’s highest offices.

“The people of this great nation have chosen two remarkable women leaders - the President and the Prime Minister. They proudly called themselves daughters of the Indian diaspora. They take pride in their Indian heritage. Both of our nations rose from the shadows of colonial rule to write our own stories with courage, as our ink and democracy as pen...” he said.

He also acknowledged the significant representation of women in the Trinidadian Parliament. “I'm delighted to see so many women members in this house. Respect for women is deeply rooted in Indian culture. One of our important holy texts, the Skanda Purana, says that one daughter brings as much happiness as ten sons. We are strengthening the hands of women to build our modern India. From space to sports, startups to science, education to enterprise, aviation to armed forces - they are leading India to a new future in various domains.”

Emphasising the deep-rooted democratic values of both nations, the Prime Minister said, “For us, Indians, democracy is not just a political model but a way of life. We have a rich heritage spanning thousands of years. Many of the parliamentarians here have their ancestors from Bihar, which was a home to the Mahajanpads - ancient republics.”

- Ends