India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history Friday when Trinidad and Tobago gave him their top national award. The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago had never gone to a foreign leader before Modi stepped up to receive it. President Christine Carla Kangaloo handed over the prestigious honor at President's House near Port of Spain. Modi called the award a symbol of deep friendship between both nations. He praised the Indian community for keeping their traditions alive on the Caribbean island.
The connection between India and Trinidad goes back to 1845 when Indian workers first arrived. More than 140,000 laborers came to work sugar and cocoa farms under British rule until 1917. Indians make up the biggest ethnic group there with 35.4 percent of 1.4 million people. Black Trinidadians come second at 34.2 percent of the population. Modi said both countries rose from colonial shadows to become strong democracies.
The award recognized Modi's leadership and help during the pandemic crisis. He accepted the honor for all 140 crore Indians back home. Modi spoke to Parliament and signed cooperation deals with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during his visit. This marked his first trip to Trinidad as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit since 1999. Trinidad's largest Muslim group criticized the decision over human rights concerns about Modi's record.
The connection between India and Trinidad goes back to 1845 when Indian workers first arrived. More than 140,000 laborers came to work sugar and cocoa farms under British rule until 1917. Indians make up the biggest ethnic group there with 35.4 percent of 1.4 million people. Black Trinidadians come second at 34.2 percent of the population. Modi said both countries rose from colonial shadows to become strong democracies.
The award recognized Modi's leadership and help during the pandemic crisis. He accepted the honor for all 140 crore Indians back home. Modi spoke to Parliament and signed cooperation deals with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar during his visit. This marked his first trip to Trinidad as Prime Minister and the first bilateral visit since 1999. Trinidad's largest Muslim group criticized the decision over human rights concerns about Modi's record.
