Republic
Port of Spain, July 4, 2025 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was bestowed with Trinidad & Tobago’s highest civilian award, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago (ORTT), marking a historic milestone in bilateral relations between India and the Caribbean nation . The accolade, conferred during his two-day official visit, honors his global leadership, humanitarian efforts, and enduring bond with the Indian diaspora in Trinidad & Tobago.
A Historic Visit with Deep Symbolism
This marks the first visit by a sitting Indian Prime Minister since 1999 and coincides with Modi’s longest diplomatic tour in nearly a decade—spanning Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. In Ghana, Modi was honored with the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, setting the tone for the recognitions that followed. Arriving in Port of Spain from Accra, he was greeted at Piarco International Airport with ceremonial pomp—a Guard of Honour, traditional Bhojpuri Chautaal performance, and the presence of PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar along with ministers and MPs.
The Indian diaspora, deeply rooted in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, greeted Modi with emotional warmth, highlighting the enduring cultural and ancestral ties that continue to shape both India and Trinidad & Tobago
Recognition of Global Leadership & Humanitarian Contributions
The ORTT was awarded to Modi in recognition of his global leadership, especially his rapid and equitable distribution of vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his engagement with diasporic communities worldwide . PM Persad‑Bissessar praised Modi’s decisive vaccine diplomacy, stating it “brought hope and calm where there was fear,” emphasizing that “this was more than diplomacy—it was an act of shared humanity” .
The official citation highlighted Modi’s “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership,” as well as his strong engagement with the Indian-origin community in Trinidad & Tobago .
Emotional Tribute to the Diaspora & Girmitiya Legacy
Central to Modi’s visit were heartfelt acknowledgments of the Indo-Trinidadian community—descendants of nearly 143,000 indentured laborers, known as Girmitiyas, who arrived between 1845 and 1917 .
Speaking at a gathering attended by around 4,000 people, Modi spoke of their journey “of courage” and said they “left the Ganga and Yamuna behind but carried the Ramayana in their hearts,” describing them as “messengers of a timeless civilisation”The event resonated profoundly, with diaspora members expressing joy:
“His speech was immaculate, amazing, heart‑warming… We love PM Modi… We are so happy to have him here with us,” shared one attendee .
He also drew attention to the common heritage shared with PM Persad‑Bissessar, calling her “daughter of Bihar,” and ceremonially requested she offer holy waters from the Sarayu and Mahakumbh to the Ganga Dhara in Trinidad & Tobago
Expanding Diaspora Ties & Forward-Thinking Policies
In a landmark announcement, Modi declared that sixth-generation Indo-Trinidadians will now be eligible for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards—a move warmly welcomed as it acknowledges generational bonds and deepens cultural roots. He called each diaspora member a “Rashtra Doot”—an ambassador of India’s culture, values, and traditions
Highlighting India’s domestic strides, Modi said, “For New India, even the sky is not the limit,” emphasizing breakthroughs in AI, semiconductors, quantum tech, startups, and digital payments like UPI—half of the world’s real-time transactions happen in India. Notably, Trinidad & Tobago became the first country in the region to adopt UPI—underscoring expanding tech collaboration .
Strategic & Cultural Significance
This visit signifies a new chapter in India–Trinidad & Tobago relations. With approximately 35–45 % of the 1.3–1.4 million population tracing their heritage to India, the diaspora is a cornerstone of bilateral ties . The ceremonies, addresses to Parliament, and award conferment underscore diplomacy’s blend of strategic depth and cultural resonance .
It also echoes a broader campaign—Modi has recently received top national honors from several CARICOM nations—including Guyana, Barbados, Dominica, and Ghana, reinforcing India’s expanding global footprint
Mixed Reactions & the Path Ahead
While widely celebrated by the diaspora and political leaders, the award has prompted some debate. The Anjuman Sunnat‑ul‑Jamaat Association (ASJA), Trinidad & Tobago’s largest Muslim body, voiced concerns over Modi’s human rights record—especially regarding Kashmir and Gujarat—underscoring the need for “justice, truth, and accountability” in interfaith dialogue .
Nevertheless, the government has defended the decision as a gesture honoring lifelong service and global partnership. Modi’s visit—part of a broader diplomatic push spanning continents—sees him going onward to Argentina, Brazil (for the BRICS Summit), and Namibia, weaving a narrative of mutual respect, cooperation, and shared destiny .
Conclusion
The conferral of the ORTT on PM Modi symbolizes more than ceremonial pomp—it marks a profound acknowledgment of shared history, cultural bonds, and forward-looking collaboration. It sends a powerful message: diplomacy today is as much about hearts and heritage as it is about policies and power.
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