ADVERTISEMENTs
PM Modi extends OCI card eligibility to 6th-gen in Trinidad
The OCI card scheme allows foreign citizens of Indian origin to live and work in India indefinitely. Until now, the eligibility was limited to the fourth generation in most cases.
-
Staff Reporter - Fri, 04, Jul 2025
- 12:33 EDT
- 23
Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago / MEA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 4 announced that Indian-origin citizens of Trinidad and Tobago, will now be eligible for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards up to the sixth generation.
The move is aimed at deepening India’s engagement with its diaspora and strengthening cultural and historical ties with the Caribbean nation.
“Today, I am happy to announce that OCI cards will now be given to the sixth generation of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago,” Modi said while addressing a community gathering at the National Cycling Velodrome in Couva.
Also Read: Modi pushes further India-Africa cooperation on Ghana visit
“You are not just connected by blood or surname. You are connected by belonging. India looks out for you, India welcomes you, and India embraces you, “ he added.
The OCI card scheme allows foreign citizens of Indian origin to live and work in India indefinitely. Until now, the eligibility was limited to the fourth generation in most cases.
Modi’s announcement is seen as a significant outreach gesture to the Indo-Trinidadian community, which makes up more than one-third of the country's population and traces its roots to indentured labourers who arrived from India starting in 1845.
Modi arrived in Trinidad and Tobago early July 4 morning on the second leg of his five-nation tour. He was received with a traditional Bhojpuri welcome and met with President Christine Kangaloo at the President’s House in Port of Spain.
He was also conferred with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the country's highest civilian award. Accepting the honour, Modi said, “I am honoured to receive this award and I accept it on behalf of 140 crore Indians.”
In his address, Modi also congratulated Trinidad and Tobago for becoming the first Caribbean nation to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI). “The adoption of UPI is beneficial for both countries,” he said, adding that digital public infrastructure is a key pillar of India’s global partnerships.
The visit coincides with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers in Trinidad and Tobago. Modi praised the community for preserving Indian culture and language across generations and encouraged them to strengthen their connection with India through travel, education, and technology.
On the next leg of his tour, Modi will travel to Argentina, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the South American country in 57 years. His itinerary also includes stops in Brazil and Namibia for the BRICS Summit and regional engagements.
Related
.JPG)
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login