Prime Minister Narendra Modi conferred with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) on July 4, 2025, during his official visit to the Caribbean nation. This is the highest civilian honour bestowed by the country, and Modi has become the first foreign leader to receive it. The recognition comes as a tribute to his efforts in strengthening India’s ties with Trinidad and Tobago, a nation with deep-rooted Indian heritage and a significant Indo-Trinidadian population.
The award was presented in a formal ceremony attended by top dignitaries, including President Christine Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar. During the event, Modi was praised for his transformational leadership, global humanitarian initiatives, and cultural diplomacy. His support to other nations during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially through vaccine distribution, was highlighted as a sign of his commitment to global unity and care.
This honour also reflects the emotional and cultural bond between the two nations. With around 40% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population being of Indian origin, Modi’s visit marked a celebration of shared history, culture, and values. His outreach to the diaspora community was well-received, with large gatherings and expressions of pride from Indo-Trinidadians.
Modi’s two-day visit included meetings focused on trade, energy, health, education, and technology cooperation. His address to the Parliament and participation in cultural events emphasized the growing partnership between India and the CARICOM region. The award from Trinidad and Tobago is Modi’s second major international honour during his current diplomatic tour, following the Order of the Star of Ghana earlier this week.
This recognition not only cements Modi’s global diplomatic stature but also signals India’s expanding influence in the Caribbean and Latin American regions. It paves the way for deeper bilateral engagements and regional collaborations in the years to come.
