Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Receive Trinidad and Tobago’s Highest Honor Amid Mixed Reactions
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Trinidad and Tobago, where he will receive the nation’s highest honor, has been met with approval by the country’s Hindu community but has prompted objections from its largest Muslim organization.
Modi’s two-day visit marks the first time a sitting Indian prime minister has traveled to Trinidad and Tobago. He accepted the invitation from Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who has maintained strong diplomatic relations with India.
The two countries share a long-standing connection, rooted in the history of Indian indentured labor migration.
The government stated that conferring the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) on Modi recognizes his contributions to the nation's development and service to the region and international community.
However, the Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association (ASJA) announced plans to formally voice concerns over the decision, citing Modi’s controversial human rights record.
In a statement by General Secretary Rahimool Hosein, the ASJA expressed reservations about honoring a leader they believe has fostered religious intolerance in India and marginalized Muslim communities. “We cannot overlook Mr. Modi’s political legacy and its global impact on Muslims,” the group stated.
The ASJA referenced the removal of Kashmir’s special status and the 2002 Gujarat riots, where over 1,000 people, primarily Muslims, died. Modi, then Gujarat’s chief minister, was later cleared of misconduct by India’s Supreme Court. The association also highlighted ongoing critiques from international human rights organizations.
Despite criticism, Modi has previously received state honors from Muslim-majority nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt.
The ASJA emphasized its support for interfaith dialogue but stressed that “true dialogue requires justice, truth, and accountability.”
Around 35-40% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population is of Indian descent, forming one of the largest Indo-Caribbean communities. Most trace their heritage to the 143,000 indentured laborers brought from India between 1845 and 1917.
Hindu leaders have praised Modi’s visit. “This moment holds deep significance,” said former government official Dr. Devant Maharaj.
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