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In Trinidad and Tobago, “the tabla met the steelpan”, observed India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, as he yesterday acknowledged and celebrated the blending of cultures in this country.

Addressing a Joint Assembly of the Parliament as the first Indian Prime Minister to do so, Modi said: “Here Bhojpuri (language) found harmony with Creole (language). Dhalpuri met doubles, and tabla met the steelpan.” The statement brought loud and sustained desk-thumping from members.

Joint Assembly: India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, centre, after his address to both Houses of Parliament yesterday at the Red House, Port of Spain. Flanking him are House Speaker Jagdeo Singh, left, and Senate President Wade Mark.