Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), July 4, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Friday awarded ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’, the Caribbean nation’s highest civilian honour, marking a significant moment in India-Trinidad bilateral relations.
On the second leg of his five-nation tour, PM Modi received the honour in recognition of his global statesmanship, humanitarian leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his sustained engagement with the Indian diaspora.
“Honoured to be conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago’. I accept it on behalf of 140 crore Indians,” PM Modi said in a post on social media, expressing gratitude on behalf of the Indian people.
A Historic First Visit
This visit marks Prime Minister Modi’s first trip to Trinidad and Tobago as head of government and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister since 1999. The award was announced by Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who hailed Modi’s presence as a symbol of the historical and cultural bonds between the two nations.
“This is a moment of shared pride and a reaffirmation of our deep-rooted ties,” she said, highlighting the influence of the Indian diaspora in shaping the Caribbean nation’s identity.
Recognizing Global Leadership
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the award was presented in recognition of PM Modi’s “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership.” His role in advocating for equitable global development, vaccine diplomacy during the pandemic, and strengthening ties with developing nations has earned international praise.
Back-to-Back Honours on Global Tour
Earlier this week, PM Modi was conferred with the ‘Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, the national honour of Ghana, during the first leg of his tour. His back-to-back recognitions reflect India’s growing stature on the global stage under his leadership.
PM Modi’s five-nation tour aims to deepen strategic partnerships, foster economic cooperation, and celebrate India’s global diaspora. His next stop will be Guyana, followed by visits to Mexico and Argentina.
