Indian Prime Minister Modi Honored with Trinidad and Tobago's Supreme National Award, Cites Six Characteristics of Powerful Nations as per Saint Thiruvalluvar's Teachings
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India has been honoured with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the country's highest national award, during his official visit on July 4, 2025. This prestigious civilian honour, symbolising distinguished statesmanship and exceptional contribution to the nation or its relations globally, is usually reserved for nationals or exceptional contributors closely tied to the country.
The award recognises Prime Minister Modi's global leadership, efforts in strengthening bilateral ties, and the deep historical and cultural connections shared between India and Trinidad and Tobago, particularly noting the Indian diaspora's influence in the country over the past 180 years. Modi accepted the award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, calling it a symbol of the "eternal and deep friendship" between the two nations.
The bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Christine Kangaloo in Port of Spain was also a significant part of the visit. During the meeting, Modi emphasised the importance of skill development and capacity building of the people of Trinidad and Tobago. He described the award as a reflection of the eternal and deep friendship between India and Trinidad and Tobago.
President Kangaloo, whose ancestors were from Tamil Nadu, India, conferred the award. This is the 25th international honour bestowed upon PM Modi by a country. The shared interests in cricket and pepper, as well as the deep harmony between the two cultures, were highlighted as elements of the bond between the two countries.
Modi also mentioned Saint Thiruvalluvar, a significant figure in Tamil Nadu, stating that strong nations should possess six key qualities, and Trinidad and Tobago embodies these qualities as a friendly nation for India. Furthermore, he emphasised that their cooperation is important for the entire Global South.
The seeds of harmony and goodwill sown by early immigrants from India are now bearing fruit in the form of Trinidad and Tobago's progress and prosperity. The two countries are likely to sign several agreements to boost bilateral trade and cooperation. The mention of cooperation being important for the Global South was not explicitly mentioned in the earlier bullet points.
In summary, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago holds great significance as a symbol of national pride and international friendship and has been conferred only once so far on a foreign leader, underscoring its exclusivity and importance. The award is rooted in the shared history and cultural heritage between India and Trinidad and Tobago, symbolising the deep and eternal friendship between the two nations.
The award bestowed upon Prime Minister Modi, symbolizing the deep and eternal friendship between India and Trinidad and Tobago, signifies both national pride and international camaraderie. This honor, with its roots in their shared history and cultural heritage, highlights the importance of their cooperation, extending beyond the bilateral ties, influencing the entire Global South.
