Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was grateful to the government and people of TT for awarding him with the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT). The award was given to him by President Christine Kangaloo at President’s House, St Ann’s on July 4.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Chief Justice Ivor Archie, Cabinet Ministers, Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, members of India’s Foreign Affairs Ministry and other specially invited guests.

Modi said he accepted the award on behalf of the people of India and said it was a matter of collective pride for all 1.4 billion Indians.