What Led to PM Modi Receiving Trinidad and Tobago's Highest Honor?

Historic Recognition for PM Modi

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded 'The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago', marking him as the first foreign leader to receive this prestigious civilian accolade from the Caribbean nation.

This recognition is the 25th international honor that PM Modi has received from various countries.

During a special ceremony held at the President's House, President Christine Carla Kangaloo presented the award to Modi, acknowledging his leadership, advocacy for the Global South, and significant contributions to enhancing bilateral relations.

Expressing his gratitude, Modi thanked the Trinidad and Tobago government and its citizens for this esteemed recognition.

He also engaged in bilateral discussions with President Kangaloo, addressing topics of mutual interest.

Modi stated, “I am deeply grateful to you, your government, and the people for honoring me with the highest national award, the ‘Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago’.

He emphasized that this honor symbolizes the enduring friendship between the two nations and dedicated it to the pride of 1.4 billion Indians.

The Prime Minister noted that this award, being the first of its kind for a foreign leader, reflects the strong ties rooted in shared history and cultural connections.

He further mentioned, “I view this honor as a responsibility towards our relations. As a close ally, we have focused on skill development and capacity building for the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.”

Modi expressed pride in the Indian community's efforts to maintain shared traditions and culture, highlighting the contributions of President Kangaloo and former Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar as key representatives of this community.

He reiterated the importance of the historical ties established by Indians who settled in Trinidad and Tobago 180 years ago, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the partnership between the two countries, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Cultural connections are evident at every level, with President Kangaloo's ancestry tracing back to Tamil Nadu, the birthplace of Saint Thiruvalluvar.

Modi quoted Thiruvalluvar, stating that strong nations must embody six essential qualities: a brave military, patriotic citizens, abundant resources, effective representatives, robust defense, and loyal allies.

Following the award presentation, President Kangaloo expressed her nation's pride in honoring Modi for his significant contributions and generosity towards Trinidad and Tobago.

She acknowledged that during the COVID-19 pandemic, 40,000 vaccine doses were delivered to Trinidad and Tobago due to Modi's direct intervention, further solidifying the relationship between the two nations.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, her Cabinet members, and other dignitaries.

Modi remarked that Trinidad and Tobago is not only a partner within CARICOM but also a vital ally on the global stage, emphasizing the importance of their cooperation for the Global South.

CARICOM, the Caribbean Community, consists of 15 member states and five associated members.

The award was announced the previous day by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, who described Modi's visit as a moment of shared pride and historical significance.

This visit marks Modi's first trip to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister and the first Indian bilateral visit at the prime ministerial level since 1999.

Before arriving in Trinidad and Tobago, Modi was in Ghana, where he received ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, the nation's highest honor, recognizing his distinguished leadership and global influence.