In the first Indian Prime Minister’s visit to Trninad and Tobago since 1999, PM Modi will receive the Order of Trinidad and Tobago, the highest honour of the country, during his historic two-day visit to the country.
Established in 2008, the Order of Trinidad and Tobago replaced the Trinity Cross as the decoration for distinguished and outstanding service to the country.
Dev Duggal from the Ministry of Agriculture said, “I am very happy that Trinidad and Tobago has decided to award PM Modi with the highest award. It is done after a lot of consideration.”
Talking to news agency ANI, he said, “This award will bring both countries together, and both countries respect each other. 50% of the population of Trinidad and Tobago is of Indian origin and this visit is beneficial for both countries.”
The PM was welcomed at the Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain with a ceremonial activity and a Guard of Honour.
PM Modi arrived in Trinidad and Tobago Friday morning on the second leg of his five-nation tour. This is the first bilateral Prime Ministerial-level visit from India to the Caribbean nation since 1999 and his first official visit.
The Prime Minister will hold bilateral talks with President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar during which the focus will be further strengthening cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, technology and cultural exchange. He will also address a Joint Session of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago.
On Wednesday (July 2), he was felicitated with the highest honour in Ghana. He was conferred with ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’ by President John Dramani Mahama. “It is a matter of pride and honour to be felicitated with. I would like to thank the president and the people of Ghana with all my heart. I would like to receive this award on behalf of 140 crore Indians,” said PM Modi.
Prime Minister Modi is visiting Trinidad and Tobago from July 3 to 4 at the invitation of Kamla Persad-Bissessar. After his arrival in Trinidad and Tobago, PM Modi was greeted by PM Persad-Bissessar, who wore Indian attire for the occasion, along with her entire cabinet comprising 38 ministers and four Members of Parliament.
Before leaving for Trinidad and Tobago from Ghana which was the first stop of his ongoing tour, PM Modi said he was "looking forward to deepening ties with a valued partner in the Caribbean, with whom we share very old cultural linkages".
PM Modi will travel to Argentina from July 4 to 5, followed by Brazil for the 17th BRICS Summit and a state visit. The final leg of his tour will take him to Namibia.
He expressed his pleasure witnessing a traditional Bhojpuri Chautal performance in Port of Spain, calling it “a priceless cultural connection.” He talked about the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, particularly with eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
He also highlighted that Kamla Persad-Bissessar's ancestors hailed from Buxar in Bihar, a place she has also visited. "People consider her the daughter of Bihar," he said addressing the Indian community, adding that Bihar’s cultural legacy is a matter of pride for both India and the world.
PM Modi said Bihar has guided the world across various fields for centuries, and new opportunities will continue to emerge from the state in the 21st century. PM Modi also took time to meet members of the Indian community who had gathered at the airport to greet him.
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