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Port of Spain, July 4, 2025 — In a landmark diplomatic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on Friday conferred with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT), the Caribbean nation’s highest civilian honour. He is the first foreign leader to receive this prestigious decoration .
President Christine Carla Kangaloo presented the award at a ceremony in St Ann’s, near Port of Spain, with PM Kamla Persad Bissessar and other dignitaries in attendance. Modi dedicated the honour to “1.4 billion Indians,” describing it as a symbol of “eternal and deep friendship” between India and Trinidad & Tobago
The award recognizes Modi’s global statesmanship, his support for the large Indo Trinidadian community, and humanitarian efforts, including facilitating vaccine access during the COVID 19 pandemic. With more than a third of Trinidad & Tobago’s population of Indian origin, the ceremony underscored shared cultural roots and historical ties tracing back to indentured labourers from 1845 onwards.
During his two day visit—the first by an Indian prime minister since 1999—Modi also announced that sixth generation Indian origin citizens in Trinidad & Tobago will now be eligible for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, granting them the right to live and work freely in India. He lauded the adoption of India’s UPI payment system in Trinidad & Tobago as a milestone strengthening economic links
Modi reaffirmed the importance of collaboration across health, energy, security, agriculture, and artificial intelligence sectors, emphasizing India’s commitment to expanding partnership with the Global South nation
This distinction adds to Modi’s growing list of state honours—his 25th international award—to date, following recognitions from countries including Ghana, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, and Mauritius.
Significance: The ORTT signals a new era in India–Trinidad & Tobago ties, celebrating shared heritage, deepening strategic relations, and enhanced diaspora connectivity.