Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago on Friday, the Caribbean nation’s highest civilian honour, during his historic visit to the island country. This marks the first time any foreign leader has received the award — a moment rich with emotion, symbolism, and shared history.
“Honoured to be conferred with ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago’. I accept it on behalf of 140 crore Indians,” PM Modi said in his acceptance speech, visibly moved by the warm reception and cultural pride on display. Modi was received at Piarco International Airport by Trinidad & Tobago's Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who, along with her full cabinet dressed in traditional Indian attire, offered a heartfelt welcome that bridged continents and centuries.
Despite being a small island nation of just 1.3 million people — fewer than Goa — Trinidad & Tobago carries a significant Indian legacy. Nearly 45% of its population is of Indian origin, with ancestral roots tracing back to the Bhojpuri-speaking regions of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Their forebears arrived in the 19th century as indentured labourers under British colonial rule, but stayed to build lives, communities, and cultural continuity that endures to this day.
In a touching gesture, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar recited a poem written by Indian Prime Minister Modi from his Gujarati book Aankh Aa Dhanya Che (“Blessed Are These Eyes”). The poem spoke about the memories, strength during the tough times, and the shared journey of people through hardships.
The airport was filled with celebration and Indian culture dance and music. The performers were dressed as characters from Indian mythology danced to traditional music, bringing the sights and sounds of India to the Caribbean. When Prime Minister Modi reached his hotel, the celebrations continued with people chanting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ and ‘Modi, Modi’. There was live orchestral music and traditional Bhojpuri Chautaal songs, creating an emotional and joyful welcome from the Indian community.
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Addressing the diaspora, Modi paid tribute to the Indian-origin population in Trinidad & Tobago, saying, “They left their soil but not their soul. They were not just migrants, they were messengers of a timeless civilisation.” He also highlighted Bihar’s global legacy: “Bihar's heritage is the pride of India and the world. The state has shown the way to the world in various fields like democracy, politics, and diplomacy for centuries. New opportunities will emerge from Bihar in the 21st century.”
In a significant gesture toward strengthening ties with the Indian diaspora, Modi announced that sixth-generation individuals of Indian origin would now be eligible for Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards — granting them the ability to live and work in India. The move was met with widespread applause and emotional gratitude from the local community.
The visit, brimming with symbolism, nostalgia, and vision, not only honoured shared history but also laid the foundation for renewed people-to-people connections between India and its extended family in Trinidad & Tobago.
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