'No AC, no bathroom, no hotel stay': Trinidad business tycoon recalls when PM Modi slept in cramped room used for ironing clothes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to Trinidad and Tobago this week was more than just a diplomatic engagement; it was a heartfelt reunion with the past and a celebration of shared cultural roots.

The trip brought back memories of his early political journey, including a touching moment from 1998 shared by industrialist ML Mittal.

“I first met Narendra Modi ji in New York in 1998…” Mittal recalled.


At the time, Modi was a BJP leader visiting New York with a few RSS members. Mittal hosted them at his modest four-bedroom flat. Despite being offered the host’s own room or a hotel stay, Modi humbly chose to sleep in a small utility room used for ironing clothes.

“He came with some RSS workers and stayed in my apartment, which had just four bedrooms. I insisted that Modiji take my room or I would arrange a hotel for him. He refused. Instead, he chose to sleep in a small utility room used for ironing clothes. It had no air conditioning and no attached bathroom, but he said it was perfect for him,” Mittal fondly recalled.

Ceremonial Welcome in Port of Spain

Modi began his visit to Trinidad and Tobago with a ceremonial Guard of Honour at Piarco International Airport. He was welcomed warmly by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, 38 ministers, and four Members of Parliament. A lively crowd danced to the beat of traditional drums, combining local and Indian cultural performances to greet him.

Modi shared the moments on social media platform X, writing, “May the friendship between India-Trinidad & Tobago flourish in the times to come! Highlights from a special welcome in Port of Spain.”

Later that evening, PM Modi attended a traditional dinner hosted by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, where food was served on Sohari leaves. He noted how the leaf holds deep cultural meaning for Trinidadians of Indian origin, as it’s commonly used during festivals and religious gatherings.

In his post, he wrote, “The dinner hosted by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar had food served on a Sohari leaf, which is of great cultural significance to the people of Trinidad & Tobago, especially those with Indian roots.”

During the dinner, PM Modi presented Bissessar with a replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, along with holy water from the Saryu River and from the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj.

He said, “They symbolise the deep cultural and spiritual bonds between India and Trinidad & Tobago.”

PM Modi also addressed members of the Indian community in Port of Spain. He was joined by Kamla Persad-Bissessar, whose presence made the event even more memorable. Modi thanked her for her kind words and her commitment to strengthening ties between the two countries.

In his words, “Today's community programme in Port of Spain was made even more special by the distinguished presence of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar.”

Inputs from agencies