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For the approximately 50 members of the Indian diaspora gathered outside the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain, to greet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, the experience was a mixed one, split between euphoria and disappointment.

Waving Indian flags, the Trinis gathered in the courtyard of the hotel, chanting “Modi, Modi,” dressed in their finest saris, shalwars and kurtas. A steelpan side played soca and calypso hits while the crowd waited on Modi’s arrival.

When Modi arrived, he exited his vehicle and interacted with the gathering, who cheered and chanted as he bowed to them with his hands at his forehead. He then entered the Hyatt where he greeted government ministers Barry Padarath, Saddam Hosein and others.