Trinidad & Tobago honours PM Modi for strengthening bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been awarded the highest civilian honour of Trinidad and Tobago — The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The honour was presented to him during his two-day visit to the Caribbean country as part of his five-nation tour.

This award is a recognition of PM Modi’s leadership on the global stage, his strong connection with the Indian community around the world, and the help India provided to other nations during the Covid-19 pandemic under his leadership. This is the 25th international award that PM Modi has received from a foreign country.

PM Modi is now the first foreign leader to receive this prestigious honour from Trinidad and Tobago. The announcement was made by the country’s Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who praised PM Modi’s leadership and said his visit was a moment of shared pride and deep historical connection.

A symbol of friendship

After receiving the award, PM Modi said it was not just for him, but for all 140 crore Indians. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote:

“Honoured to be conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago’. I accept it on behalf of 140 crore Indians.”

PM Modi also thanked the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago for giving him such a great honour. He said this award shows the strong and eternal friendship between the two countries.

The Prime Minister landed at the Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain, the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, on July 3, 2025. He received a grand welcome upon arrival. This is his first visit to the island nation as Prime Minister, and also the first visit by any Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999.

This visit is a part of PM Modi’s five-nation diplomatic tour. Just before coming to Trinidad and Tobago, he had visited Ghana, where he received Ghana’s top civilian honour — The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana. His efforts to strengthen India’s ties with African and Caribbean nations are being recognised globally.

Trinidad and Tobago is home to a large Indian-origin population. Many people there are descendants of Indians who moved to the islands more than 150 years ago during the colonial period. Today, they play a key role in the culture, politics, and society of the country.

The Prime Minister’s visit has been described as emotional and historic by leaders and the public alike. PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar said that his presence reminded everyone of the deep historical bond between the two nations, built on shared values, traditions, and family ties.

Strengthening global connections

PM Modi’s global leadership, especially during the Covid-19 crisis, has earned him respect around the world. Under his leadership, India not only produced vaccines for its own population but also shared vaccines and medical supplies with many other countries, including those in the Caribbean.

The government of Trinidad and Tobago recognised these efforts as acts of humanitarian service and said that PM Modi's work during the pandemic showed true global leadership.

India and Trinidad and Tobago have long-standing friendly relations. India has supported the development of the island nation through training programs, scholarships, and technology partnerships. PM Modi’s visit is expected to boost this cooperation even further.

PM Modi’s speeches during the visit focused on unity, history, development, and cooperation. He addressed the Indian diaspora and thanked them for keeping Indian culture and values alive far from home. He also encouraged deeper business ties and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Several agreements and joint announcements are expected as a result of this trip. These may include collaboration in the fields of education, healthcare, digital technology, and trade.

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This award is just one part of the growing respect PM Modi is receiving in the international community. Leaders across continents are recognising India’s rise as a global power, and PM Modi’s role in shaping this progress.

PM Modi’s global tour continues after his stop in Trinidad and Tobago, with more destinations on his list where he is expected to meet top leaders, attend diplomatic events, and discuss global challenges like climate change, trade, and security.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago and the award of the country's highest civilian honour marks another important chapter in India’s international journey. It is a moment of pride for India and a sign of the growing friendship between the two nations.

By honouring him, Trinidad and Tobago has shown appreciation for India’s leadership, humanity, and commitment to global progress. For PM Modi, it is another step toward building deeper global partnerships and representing the spirit of 140 crore Indians on the world stage.