On 4 July 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with the ‘Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’, the island nation’s highest civilian award, becoming the first foreign leader to receive this distinction. The ceremony took place in Port of Spain during Modi’s official visit, which aims to strengthen diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties between India and Trinidad and Tobago.
Indian and Trinidadian officials hailed the event as a landmark moment in bilateral relations, highlighting Modi’s leadership, his engagement with the large Indian diaspora in the Caribbean, and his efforts in global humanitarian causes, including pandemic relief.
Modi accepted the award with humility, dedicating it to the people of both nations, while Trinidad and Tobago’s leaders emphasised the historic and cultural significance of this recognition.
A Historic First: Celebrating Leadership and Friendship
The award ceremony was held at the President’s House in Port of Spain, where President Christine Kangaloo formally presented the ‘Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’ to Prime Minister Modi. In his acceptance speech, Modi expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating, “I accept this honour on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India and the millions of Indian-origin citizens in Trinidad and Tobago who continue to enrich this beautiful nation.”
He underscored the “eternal and deep friendship” between the two countries, rooted in shared history, culture, and values. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar described Modi’s visit as “a moment of immense pride and celebration for our nation,” noting that the award symbolises not only diplomatic goodwill but also the recognition of India’s global leadership and commitment to inclusive development.
Modi also referenced the ancient Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar to highlight the virtues of strong nations and loyal allies, signalling the importance of enduring partnerships in today’s interconnected world. Furthermore, Modi congratulated Trinidad and Tobago for becoming the first Caribbean nation to adopt India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), a milestone in digital cooperation.
Deepening Ties: Historical Context and Future Prospects
The conferral of the Order of the Republic marks an unprecedented occasion, as no foreign leader has previously received this honour from Trinidad and Tobago. Modi’s visit is the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the country since 1999, underscoring the renewed focus on strengthening bilateral ties.
Trinidad and Tobago’s population of approximately 1.3 million includes nearly 45% people of Indian descent, many tracing their ancestry to indentured labourers who arrived from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and other parts of India during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This shared heritage forms a vital bridge between the two nations.
During the visit, Modi announced that the sixth generation of Indian-origin citizens in Trinidad and Tobago will now be eligible for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, easing travel and fostering closer cultural and economic links. The visit also follows Modi’s recent recognition in Ghana, reflecting India’s expanding role in South-South cooperation and its commitment to building partnerships based on mutual respect and shared development goals.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we view this historic honour as a powerful symbol of the values that bind nations beyond borders—friendship, empathy, and respect for shared histories. The recognition of Prime Minister Modi by Trinidad and Tobago is not just a diplomatic milestone; it is a celebration of the human connections that underpin international relations.
In a world often divided by conflict and misunderstanding, such gestures remind us of the importance of dialogue, kindness, and cooperation.
As India’s diaspora continues to serve as a bridge between cultures, we encourage our readers to reflect on how these relationships can be nurtured to foster peace and positive social change globally. How can we, as global citizens, contribute to strengthening these bonds of harmony and understanding in our own communities?
