Image Credit: https://www.pmindia.gov.in/
Modi Expands OCI Card Access to 6th-Gen Diaspora in T&T
In a significant outreach move during his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the extension of Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card eligibility to the sixth generation of Indian-origin citizens. This landmark gesture, delivered in Port of Spain, reinforces India’s long-standing connection with its Caribbean diaspora and enhances opportunities for cultural, economic, and personal engagement.
Sixth-Generation Diaspora Now Eligible for OCI
“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,” declared Modi, addressing a packed and enthusiastic audience that included descendants of indentured Indian laborers. He emphasized the deep emotional bond India shares with its diaspora: “You are not just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging.”
Until now, OCI eligibility had extended to the fourth generation, making this a landmark change that welcomes younger descendants into India’s fold through education, travel, and business opportunities.
Celebrating Shared Heritage and Contribution
The Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago, which traces its roots back to the 19th-century girmitiya system, now represents over 40% of the country’s 1.36 million population. Modi acknowledged this legacy and praised the contributions of prominent Indo-Trinidadians, such as:
- Kamla Persad-Bissessar, former Prime Minister
- Christine Kangaloo, current President
- Cultural icons like Sundar Popo
- Cricketers like Daren Ganga
By recognizing such achievements, Modi framed the diaspora not as a community in exile, but as a thriving pillar of Trinidadian society and a cherished extension of India itself.
India to Build Global Girmitiya Database
Modi also announced plans for a comprehensive database of Girmitiya communities, aimed at preserving the historical journey of Indian-origin populations across the globe. This includes migration patterns, ancestral links, and settlement histories—tools that would help diaspora youth reconnect with their roots.
In a lighter moment, he applauded Trinidad and Tobago for adopting India’s UPI digital payment system, joking that it would help the diaspora “send money faster than West Indies bowling!” The crowd erupted in laughter, reinforcing the cultural camaraderie between the two nations.
Strengthening India–Caribbean Relations
This announcement was made during Modi’s broader five-nation tour, and it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago since 2009. It symbolizes India’s evolving foreign policy focus on diaspora diplomacy, particularly in regions historically tied to India through colonial-era migrations.
The expansion of OCI cards to the sixth generation is not just a bureaucratic shift—it’s a powerful cultural affirmation, one that signals India’s growing intent to nurture its extended global family across generations.
