In a show of gratitude, Trinidad and Tobago is to confer its top civilian award—the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago—on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The news was announced by the Caribbean country's Prime Minister Kamala Persad Bissessar, who described Modi in high praise as a world figure whose stature was recognized globally and whose contributions to humanity and the Indian diaspora were immense.
The prestigious award is being granted in recognition of PM Modi’s influential global leadership, his unwavering support for the Indian diaspora, and his humanitarian outreach during the Covid-19 crisis.
During her address, Prime Minister Kamala Persad Bissessar highlighted the significance of Modi’s visit, describing it as a deeply symbolic moment rooted in shared heritage and pride.
"We are blessed by the presence of one who is close and dear to us," she said, adding further, "We are blessed by a leader whose visit is not merely a question of protocol but a great honour for us. I am greatly privileged to welcome one of the world's most revered, most admired visionary leaders, Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India."
She praised Modi for having transformed the dynamics of India's governance and raised India to a higher position globally.
"Prime Minister, you are a change agent who has perfected governance of India and taken your nation to a leading and dominant position in the world," she stated.
Emphasizing his visionary path and grand reforms, she further said, "By your visionary and future-oriented policies, you have transformed the Indian economy, enabled more than a billion citizens, and most importantly, you have filled pride in the hearts of all Indians across the globe."
Remembering Modi's previous visit in 2002, she commented on how his stature had transformed through the years.
"On your inaugural visit to the nation in 2002, you were not the Prime Minister but a cultural envoy. Today, you come back as head of government of over 1.4 billion people -- a highly esteemed and renowned leader whose impact knows no borders. We bow to you, Sir."
Prime Minister Bissessar also expressed deep admiration for Modi’s dedication to nurturing cultural ties and his efforts in preserving shared legacies. She pointed out India’s critical assistance during the pandemic, particularly through the Vaccine Maitri initiative, which reached even the smallest nations.
"During your tenure as Leader, India has reached out to the world, as never before through your compassion and generosity with the Vaccine Initiative four years ago. You, sir, have made sure that vaccines and materials go to even the smallest countries, including Trinidad and Tobago. Through your generosity, you have brought hope and peace where there was terror. This was not just diplomacy, this was an act of kinship, an act of common humanity and an act of love."
She followed up by emphasizing the inspiration behind the great honor:
"This is one of the many reasons that we are deeply proud to confer upon you The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the highest honour of our country."
This honor is one of a number of others PM Modi has been awarded during his current foreign visit. Recent destinations, Barbados, Guyana, and Dominica, have also bestowed their highest civilian honors upon him.
In both Dominica and Guyana, Modi was appreciated for his outstanding leadership amid the pandemic, his long-term contributions towards international diplomacy, and the role played by him in promoting bilateral ties with these Caribbean countries.
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