TT Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Inclusion Amid Modi Visit Concerns

Trinidad and Tobago’s government has reaffirmed its commitment to equality and inclusion for all citizens following concerns raised by Muslim groups about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit. The Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association (ASJA) and the Islamic Da’wah Movement voiced reservations about Modi’s presence, citing international concerns regarding the treatment of Muslim minorities in India. Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Sean Sobers stated the government values its diverse population and respects citizens’ right to express concerns, while maintaining constructive international relationships. He emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue with all communities. Although contacted, the Prime Minister did not comment.

Critics of Modi point to the 2002 Gujarat riots, policies like the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), and the revocation of Kashmir’s special status as evidence of anti-Muslim sentiment. They also cite inflammatory language used by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its Hindutva ideology, which promotes Hindu supremacy. However, Modi and his government deny these accusations and maintain a commitment to the well-being of all citizens, often using the slogan “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Saba Vishwas” (“Collective efforts, inclusive growth, with everyone’s trust”). They also claim that the criticisms are politically motivated.