Daijiworld Media Network - Port of Spain

Port of Spain, Jul 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Friday conferred with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the highest civilian honour of the Caribbean island nation, marking a significant moment in India’s diplomatic outreach.

Modi, currently on the second leg of his five-nation tour, is on a two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago — his first visit to the country as Prime Minister and the first Indian Prime Ministerial-level visit since 1999.

The award was presented in recognition of Modi's global statesmanship, his outreach to the Indian diaspora, and his humanitarian efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Honoured to be conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago’. I accept it on behalf of 140 crore Indians,” Modi said in a statement.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar announced the award on Thursday, calling Modi’s visit a moment of shared pride and historical connection between the two nations.

Before arriving in Trinidad and Tobago, Modi was in Ghana, where he was also honoured with The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana for his distinguished global leadership. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) noted that the awards reflect international recognition of Modi’s influential role in global affairs.