Trinidad and Tobago on Friday awarded its highest national honor, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, to visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi — marking the first time a foreign leader has received the prestigious award.
The ceremony took place at President’s House in St Ann’s, just outside the capital, Port of Spain. President Christine Carla Kangaloo presented the award to Modi, who is currently on the second leg of a five-nation tour aimed at strengthening New Delhi’s ties with the Caribbean and Latin America.
Speaking at the ceremony, Modi said, “This honor is a symbol of the deep and eternal friendship between our two countries,” according to an official translation. He also expressed pride in the Indian community in Trinidad and Tobago, noting, “It is a matter of great pride that the Indian community here continues to preserve our shared traditions, culture, and customs with such care and devotion.”
India and Trinidad and Tobago share a long history dating back to 1845, when indentured Indian laborers first arrived to work on sugar and cocoa plantations during British colonial rule. Between 1845 and 1917, more than 140,000 Indian laborers settled in the country. Today, the Indian community constitutes the largest ethnic group, accounting for 35.4 percent of the nation’s population of 1.4 million. Black Trinidadians represent the second largest group at 34.2 percent.
Modi praised President Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as “the biggest brand ambassadors of this community,” adding, “Our relationship carries the excitement of cricket and the flavor of Trinidad pepper.” He described Trinidad and Tobago as a “vital partner for New Delhi,” writing on X (formerly Twitter), “India and Trinidad & Tobago rose from the shadows of colonial rule to write our destiny of progress. Our nations stand tall as proud democracies and pillars of strength in the modern world.” Modi also called for collaborative efforts to “give the Global South its rightful seat at the high table.”
During his visit, Modi addressed the Trinidadian Parliament and signed several memorandums of understanding with Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The award recognized Modi’s “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership,” as well as his close ties with the Indian diaspora and humanitarian contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Modi expressed gratitude, stating, “Honoured to be conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago’. I accept it on behalf of 140 crore Indians.”
Highlighting cultural connections, Modi said, “President Christine Kangaloo’s ancestors were from the land of Saint Thiruvalluvar, Tamil Nadu. Thousands of years ago, Saint Thiruvalluvar stated that strong nations should possess six key qualities: a strong army, patriotic people, abundant resources, effective leadership, robust defence, and friendly nations that always stand together. Trinidad and Tobago is such a friendly country for India.”
The visit is historic as Modi’s first to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Caribbean nation since 1999.
While the visit has been hailed by many, including former government minister Devant Maharaj, who called Modi a “hero,” some criticism has come from Trinidad’s largest Muslim organization, which questioned the decision to bestow the honor citing concerns over Modi’s human rights record.
