World

PM Modi Receives Trinidad & Tobago’s Highest Civilian Honour

PM Narendra Modi on Friday became the first foreign leader to receive ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago’, the Caribbean nation’s highest civilian honour.

President Christine Kangaloo conferred the award during a grand ceremony held as part of PM Modi’s official two-day visit to Trinidad and Tobago.

“I express my heartfelt gratitude to you, your government, and the people of Trinidad and Tobago for conferring on me this highest national honour,” said PM Modi after receiving the award. “I accept this award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians. This symbolises the eternal and deep friendship between our two countries.”

Trinidad PM Praises PM Modi’s global leadership

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar praised PM Modi’s impactful global leadership, close ties with the Indian diaspora, and his humanitarian efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The honour reflects the country’s recognition of Modi’s global stature and India’s growing influence on the world stage.

This recognition marks the 25th international honour conferred upon PM Modi. Just two days earlier, Ghana awarded him the ‘Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’ for his global statesmanship.

These accolades follow a string of honours from countries including Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Kuwait, Nigeria, and Guyana over the past year.

A global leader acknowledged worldwide

Former diplomats and global analysts see PM Modi’s growing list of awards as a reflection of India’s assertive and respected foreign policy.

“For the first time, India’s foreign policy is unapologetically ‘India First’, clear-headed, confident, and consistent,” noted a retired Indian diplomat. “The world is not just watching; it’s acknowledging.”

Recent high civilian honours conferred on PM Modi

Ghana: Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana (July 2025)
Cyprus: Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III (June 2025)
Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka Mitra Vibhushana (April 2025)
Mauritius: Grand Commander of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean (March 2025)
Kuwait: Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer (Dec 2024)
Guyana: Order of Excellence (2024)
Dominica: Dominica Award of Honour (2024)
Nigeria: Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger – GCON (2024)

PM Modi has also been awarded the highest civilian honours by countries such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Russia, USA, France, Greece, Bhutan, Egypt, and Fiji, among others.