PORT OF SPAIN / NEW DELHI: In a powerful reaffirmation of political resilience and diaspora pride, Kamla Persad-Bissessar has returned to the office of Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago following a decisive victory in the 2025 national elections. Representing the United National Congress (UNC), she defeated the incumbent People’s National Movement (PNM) to reclaim leadership of the Caribbean nation.

This comeback marks a full-circle moment for the 73-year-old barrister and political trailblazer, who served as the country’s first—and so far only—woman Prime Minister from 2010 to 2015.

Shortly after her victory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India extended heartfelt congratulations via X (formerly Twitter): “Heartiest congratulations Kamla Persad-Bissessar on your victory in the elections. We cherish our historically close and familial ties with Trinidad and Tobago. I look forward to working closely with you to further strengthen our partnership for shared prosperity and well-being of our people.”

Addressing an enthusiastic crowd, Persad-Bissessar underscored her priorities: “This victory is for the senior citizens to keep their pensions… for public servants to get their rightful salary increases… to reopen the children’s hospital… to give laptops to our children… to create over 50,000 jobs.”

A seasoned leader and the first woman to lead the UNC, she has weathered internal party dissent and electoral defeats to reassert her place in Trinidad and Tobago’s political narrative.

India and Trinidad and Tobago share a unique cultural and historical bond. The connection traces back to 1845, when the Fatel Razack arrived in Trinidad carrying 225 indentured Indian labourers. Today, people of Indian origin make up around 42% of the country’s population.

It was Kamla who stood tall in New Delhi at the 2012 Pravasi Bharatiya Divas—India’s flagship annual event for engaging with its global diaspora—where she was the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering on January 8, she delivered a powerful speech that struck a deep emotional chord. “India is not only a place from which our ancestors came,” she said, “it is a part of who we are.” Her presence at the event marked a historic moment: she was the first woman of Indian origin to serve as a head of government and to be honoured in this way at the PBD.

During the visit, Persad-Bissessar also met with top Indian leaders, including then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and President Pratibha Patil. She laid emphasis on strengthening economic, educational, and cultural links between India and Trinidad and Tobago. Her delegation included several ministers and business leaders, reflecting her government’s serious interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation.

In addition, she visited her ancestral village in Bihar, where she was warmly received and celebrated by the local community. This personal pilgrimage was deeply symbolic, connecting the past and the present, and underscoring the enduring bonds between India and its diaspora in the Caribbean.

Her return to power is expected to reinvigorate India–Trinidad ties. With an eye on trade, technology, climate resilience and cultural diplomacy, both nations are poised to deepen engagement. At the 2019 India–CARICOM Summit, India pledged a $150 million line of credit for Caribbean climate projects—demonstrating New Delhi’s growing footprint in the region.