Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with the highest civilian award of Trinidad and Tobago, ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’, during his official visit to the Caribbean nation on July 4, 2025.
This recognition marks a significant moment in India's diplomatic relations with the country, as it is not only Mr. Modi’s first visit to Trinidad and Tobago as Prime Minister but also the first bilateral visit at the Prime Ministerial level since 1999.
Mr. Modi received the award for his influential global leadership, exceptional humanitarian contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his continued engagement with the Indian diaspora around the world.
Mr. Modi expressed gratitude and said, “Honoured to be conferred with
“Honoured to be conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago’. I accept it on behalf of 140 crore Indians.”
The announcement of the award was made by Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who described the visit as a moment of shared pride, celebrating the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi also presented sacred water from the Mahakumbh and a replica of the Ram Mandir as symbolic gifts to his Trinidadian counterpart.
Thank you Trinidad & Tobago. The moments here will never be forgotten. We’ve added new momentum to India-Trinidad & Tobago friendship. My gratitude to President Christine Carla Kangaloo, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, the Government and people of this wonderful nation. pic.twitter.com/iGTwfNPyEq
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 4, 2025
Prior to reaching Port of Spain, Mr. Modi concluded the first stop of his five-nation tour in Ghana, where he received the prestigious honour titled ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’. The Ministry of External Affairs of India highlighted these back-to-back recognitions as a reflection of Modi’s respected global statesmanship and India’s rising influence on the international stage.
The visit to Trinidad and Tobago also commemorates the long-standing bond between the two countries, including the historical migration of Bhojpuri-speaking Indians to the Caribbean in the 1800s. This gesture of honour by Trinidad and Tobago serves as a reaffirmation of mutual respect, cultural kinship, and diplomatic goodwill shared between the two democratic nations.