1  July 2025

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive Trinidad and Tobago’s highest award – the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) – during his official visit . The Cabinet gave the green light for Modi to receive this honour during his two-day visit on July 3–4. Over 20 countries have honoured Modi, serving his third consecutive term as Prime Minister of India. Trinidad and Tobago will join countries in the region that bestowed high awards on Modi.

During the India-Caricom Summit in Guyana in November 2024, Modi was conferred with Guyana’s highest civilian honour, The Order of Excellence, by President Mohamed Irfaan Ali, for his visionary statesmanship, championing the rights of developing countries on the global stage, exceptional service to the global community and his commitment to strengthening India-Guyana relations. Modi dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India and praised the deep-rooted historical ties between the people of the two countries.

During the India-Caricom Summit in Guyana, Dominica took the opportunity to bestow Modi with its highest national award, the Dominica National Award of Honour. President of Dominica, Sylvanie Burton, presented the award in recognition of Modi’s role and contribution in safeguarding lives during the Covid-19 pandemic. Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit recalled the tough times of the pandemic in 2021, when India made a generous donation to Dominica and he lauded strides by India under the leadership of Modi’s visionary approach.

During Modi’s visit to Guyana, Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced that Barbados would bestow its highest award on Modi for his vital role in strengthening international cooperation and support during the Covid-19 pandemic. Modi received the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados award in recognition of his “strategic leadership” and “valuable assistance” during the pandemic.

However, Modi was unable to receive it himself, and accepting it on his behalf was Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles, Pabitra Margherita, who said the award symbolised the “enduring friendship” between the two nations.

The Office of the Prime Minister issued a media release officially notifying Trinidad and Tobago of Modi’s visit. The release yesterday stated that Modi’s visit marks a significant milestone in the long-standing diplomatic relationship between both nations, which dates back to 1962.

“The visit is aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation in key areas including finance, foreign policy, justice, education, legal affairs, health, agriculture, trade, energy, culture, sports, and information communication technology (ICT), laying the groundwork for enhanced strategic collaboration between both nations.”

Modi will arrive on his private plane on Thursday morning where the red carpet will be rolled out at Piarco International Airport with an official ceremonial guard of honour . A contingent of Government officials is expected on the tarmac to greet Modi. The Defence Force will play both the national anthems of India and Trinidad and Tobago.

Modi and his delegation will check into his hotel. Later, around 6 p.m, a cultural event will be held at the Cycling Velodrome where approximately 4,000 plus people are being registered to attend.

On Friday, Prime Minister Modi will address both houses of Parliament at the Red House. He will meet President Christine Kangaloo at President’s House. He will engage in bi-lateral talks with PM Persad-Bissessar and key members of her Cabinet who will host a dinner in honour of Modi at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s.

While the official itinerary is still being finalised, Prime Minister Modi may attend a Hindu temple for the consecration of a murti (statue of a Hindu god). However, Hindus, Muslims and Presbyterians hope to mingle with him at Queen’s Park Savannah before dinner to the sound of Conch horns.

Countries that have already bestowed high awards on India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi are-

• 1. Afghanistan: State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan
• 2. Bahrain: King Hamad Order of the Renaissance
• 3. Bhutan: Order of the Druk Gyalpo
• 4. Cyprus: Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III
• 5. Egypt: Order of the Nile
• 6. Fiji: Companion of the Order of Fiji
• 7. France: Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour
• 8. Greece: Grand Cross of the Order of Honour
• 9. Guyana: Order of Excellence
• 10. Maldives: Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin
• 11. Mauritius: Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean
• 12. Nigeria: Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger
• 13. Palau: Ebakl Award
• 14. Palestine: Grand Collar of the State of Palestine
• 15. Russia: Order of St Andrew the Apostle
• 16. Saudi Arabia: Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud — highest honour to non-Muslim dignitaries
• 17. Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana
• 18. United Arab Emirates: Order of Zayed
• 19. Kuwait: Order of Mubarak Al‑Kabeer