India expands diaspora outreach as Jaishankar highlights rising OCI applications in Trinidad and Tobago, pledging easier access and deeper cultural ties with sixth-generation Indian-origin communities, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
India has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with the Indian-origin community in the Caribbean, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighting a surge in applications for Overseas Citizenship of India cards in Trinidad and Tobago and pledging to ease access for eligible applicants.
Speaking during a visit to the historic Nelson Island, Jaishankar underscored India’s outreach to its diaspora, recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to extend OCI eligibility to the sixth generation of Indian-origin citizens in Trinidad and Tobago. The minister said the move reflected India’s intent to deepen cultural and ancestral connections with communities linked to the Girmitiya legacy.
Jaishankar noted that interest in the OCI scheme has been rising steadily, with applications at the Indian High Commission increasing. He said efforts were under way to ensure that those facing documentation challenges would be supported, indicating a more facilitative approach to processing requests from the diaspora.
The minister made the remarks alongside Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, during a joint visit to Nelson Island, the site associated with the arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers in the Caribbean nation. The visit included the launch of a Quick Impact Project supported by India, aimed at preserving and showcasing the shared heritage of the two countries.
Jaishankar described the location as a symbol of the enduring journey of Indian migrants and highlighted the importance of conserving such sites for future generations. His visit also coincided with broader efforts to promote cultural tourism and digitise historical records related to Indian arrival in Trinidad and Tobago.
The OCI initiative had been formally announced by Prime Minister Modi during his visit to the country in July 2025, with both governments recognising the significance of the 180th anniversary of Indian immigration, marked on May 30, 2025. The policy allows descendants of Indian-origin families, up to six generations removed, to apply for OCI status, granting them long-term visa privileges and closer engagement with India.
Jaishankar’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago formed part of a wider three-nation Caribbean tour from May 2 to May 10, which also included stops in Jamaica and Suriname. The trip is seen as part of India’s broader diplomatic push to strengthen ties with Caribbean nations and their Indian diaspora communities.
Concluding his visit, Jaishankar interacted with members of the Indian community, reiterating India’s commitment to supporting their cultural identity and enhancing bilateral cooperation. The growing uptake of OCI cards, he said, reflects renewed interest among the diaspora in reconnecting with their roots.
