By President Mohamed Irfaan Staff Editor
(Trinidad Express) India鈥檚 Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive Trinidad and Tobago鈥檚 highest award 鈥 the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) 鈥 during his official visit to this country this week.
The Express understands that the Kamla Persad-Bissessar-led Cabinet gave the green light for Modi to receive this honour during his two-day official visit on July 3鈥4.
Over 20 countries across the globe have bestowed high awards on Modi, who is currently serving his third consecutive term as Prime Minister of India.
Trinidad and Tobago will be joining other countries in the region that have taken the decision to bestow high awards on Modi.
During the India-Caricom Summit in Guyana in November 2024, Modi was conferred with Guyana鈥檚 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 for 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 also took the opportunity to bestow Modi with its highest national award, the Dominica National Award of Honour.
The award was presented by President of Dominica, Sylvanie Burton, in recognition of Modi鈥檚 role and contribution in safeguarding lives during the Covid-19 pandemic.
During the award ceremony held in Guyana, Dominica鈥檚 Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit recalled the tough times of the Covid pandemic in 2021, when India made a generous donation to Dominica, and he also lauded the strides made by India under the leadership of Modi鈥檚 visionary approach.
During Modi鈥檚 visit to Guyana, Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley announced that her country would also bestow its highest award on Modi.
Mottley acknowledged the vital role played by Modi in strengthening international cooperation and support during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Modi was bestowed with the Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados award in recognition of his 鈥渟trategic leadership鈥 and 鈥渧aluable assistance鈥 during the Covid-19 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 鈥渆nduring friendship鈥 between the two nations.
鈥楽ignificant milestone鈥
The Office of the Prime Minister yesterday issued a media release officially notifying the country of Modi鈥檚 visit.
The Express exclusively reported on June 23 that Modi will be paying a historic visit to this country.
The release yesterday stated that Modi鈥檚 visit marks a significant milestone in the long-standing diplomatic relationship between both nations, which dates back to 1962.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister, 鈥淭he 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.鈥
The Express learnt that Modi will arrive on his private plane on Thursday morning where the red carpet will be rolled out at Piarco International Airport. There will be an official ceremonial guard of honour on arrival. A large contingent of Government officials is expected to line up on the tarmac to greet Modi.
The Defence Force is carded to play both the national anthems of India and Trinidad and Tobago.
Following his arrival, Modi and his delegation will check into his hotel.
Later, from 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 the both houses of Parliament at the Red House.
During his two-day trip he will also meet President Christine Kangaloo at President鈥檚 House.
He will engage in bi-lateral talks with PM Persad-Bissessar and some key members of her Cabinet. The Express understands that plans are also train to host a dinner in honour of Modi at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann鈥檚.
While the official itinerary is still being finalised, the Express further learnt that Prime Minister Modi may attend a Hindu temple for the consecration of a murti (statue of a Hindu god).