PM Modi Receives Trinidad’s Highest Civilian Honour

PM Modi: In a moment steeped in emotion, diplomacy, and historical symbolism, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honoured with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the highest civilian award of the Caribbean island nation. The prestigious accolade was conferred on Friday at a special ceremony held at the President’s House in St Ann’s, just outside Port of Spain.

This landmark recognition comes during Mr. Modi’s two-day official visit to Trinidad and Tobago — his first since becoming Prime Minister — as part of a broader five-nation tour aimed at strengthening diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties.

PM Modi: A Tribute to Global Leadership and Diaspora Connection

The award, The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, was presented by President Christine Carla Kangaloo in the presence of dignitaries, ministers, and members of the Indian diaspora.

Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar hailed Mr. Modi’s visit as a “moment of shared pride and historical connection,” underlining the deep bonds between India and Trinidad and Tobago — home to a vibrant Indo-Caribbean community.

“This honour is not just for me,” Modi said in his acceptance speech. “I receive The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on behalf of 140 crore Indians, who inspire me every day to serve with devotion and dedication.”

Mr Narendra Modi was specifically recognised for his global leadership, impactful diplomacy, sustained engagement with the Indian diaspora, and humanitarian initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially vaccine diplomacy that extended vital medical aid to over 150 nations.

Back-to-Back International Accolades

Just two days earlier, on July 2, Mr Modi was conferred with The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana in Accra, in acknowledgement of his distinguished statesmanship.

Welcomed at the Jubilee House by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister in 30 years to visit the West African nation.

These back-to-back honours bring the tally of international recognitions conferred on PM Modi to 25 for just ten years — a feat unparalleled by any Indian leader.

PM Modi: A Record of Global Appreciation

Over the past decade, PM Modi has been awarded the highest civilian honours by 25 countries — a reflection of India’s growing stature on the world stage and Modi’s personal diplomatic touch. The list includes:

• King Abdulaziz Sash from Saudi Arabia

• Order of St. Andrew the Apostle from Russia

• Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour from France

• Order of Zayed from the UAE

• Grand Cross of the Order of Honour from Greece

• Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key from Mauritius

• …and now, The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.

A Milestone for India-Trinidad Relations

Modi’s visit marked the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Trinidad and Tobago since 1999. His engagements included high-level meetings with the President and Prime Minister, a ceremonial guard of honour, and a vibrant interaction with the Indian diaspora, whose cultural heritage traces back to indentured labourers from India in the 19th century.

His address at the National Parliament emphasized the values of democracy, diversity, and diaspora-driven diplomacy — themes that continue to define India’s soft power abroad.

Humanity at the Core

Beyond geopolitics, Modi’s recognitions underscore a shared humanitarian spirit. During the pandemic, India emerged as the “pharmacy of the world,” and Mr Modi was instrumental in driving global health cooperation through initiatives like Vaccine Maitri.

President Kangaloo reflected this sentiment, stating, “It is not just the power India wields on the global stage, but the compassion with which it acts, that makes this recognition so deeply meaningful.”

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