JNS: In a moment of diplomatic pride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with “The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago”, the Caribbean nation’s highest civilian award, during his official visit to the country. The honour was presented in recognition of Modi’s global leadership and efforts to strengthen India-Caribbean relations.
Receiving the award at the President’s House in Port of Spain, PM Modi expressed deep gratitude and dedicated the honour to the 140 crore citizens of India.
“I accept this recognition on behalf of every Indian. It is a symbol of our growing ties and shared heritage,” he said.
25th Global Salute to a Visionary Statesman!
Heartiest Congratulations to Hon PM Narendra Modi Ji on becoming the first foreign leader to receive the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago — the highest civilian award of the nation — marking his 25th international honour… pic.twitter.com/CriBONzW2C
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) July 4, 2025
Modi met with President Christine Kangaloo and is scheduled to address the Joint Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago, as part of the second leg of his ongoing five-nation diplomatic tour.
Addressing the Indian community at a special event, the Prime Minister made a significant announcement: sixth-generation Indian-origin citizens in Trinidad and Tobago will now be eligible for Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards. The move is seen as a major step to reinforce cultural and ancestral ties between India and its diaspora.
“The OCI card will allow our brothers and sisters in Trinidad to live, work, and invest in India without restrictions,” Modi said, urging the diaspora to reconnect with their roots.
In another key highlight, Modi congratulated Trinidad and Tobago for becoming the first Caribbean country to adopt India’s UPI (Unified Payments Interface). He called the digital payment partnership a “win-win” for both nations and a new milestone in India’s global digital diplomacy.
PM Modi will next head to Argentina, marking the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the South American nation in 57 years. His agenda includes high-level meetings to review cooperation and explore deeper strategic and economic partnerships.
