Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Trinidad and Tobago has triggered both celebration and concern, as the government prepares to award him the nation’s highest civilian honour, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT). While the recognition has been enthusiastically welcomed by the Indo-Trinidadian Hindu community, it has also drawn sharp criticism from the country’s largest Muslim organisation.

Modi’s two-day visit, which began Thursday, marks the first time a sitting Indian prime minister has visited the Caribbean nation. The trip comes at the invitation of newly appointed Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, known for her strong diplomatic ties with India. The Indo-Trinidadian community, which makes up nearly 40% of the population, views Modi’s presence as a powerful symbol of ancestral connection and cultural affirmation.

Dr. Devant Maharaj, a former government minister and member of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS), described the moment as deeply meaningful. He called Modi a “hero” and emphasized that his visit represents a spiritual and historical reconnection for Hindus in the diaspora, likening it to a “karmic realignment” between India and its scattered descendants.

However, the decision to bestow the ORTT has not gone unchallenged. The Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association (ASJA), Trinidad and Tobago’s largest Muslim body, issued a strong statement expressing “deep and principled concern” over honouring a figure they accuse of promoting religious intolerance.

While Modi was cleared of wrongdoing by India’s Supreme Court in 2022, his government continues to face scrutiny from international human rights organizations. ASJA acknowledged the importance of interfaith dialogue but stressed that such efforts must also reflect justice, truth, and accountability.

Despite criticism, Modi has previously been honoured by several Muslim-majority nations, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt. His growing diplomatic presence in the Global South has been a hallmark of India’s foreign policy under his leadership.

The visit to Trinidad and Tobago is part of Modi’s wider diplomatic tour across Africa and the Americas, which will include stops in Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. As mixed reactions continue to surface on social media, the visit highlights both the promise and complexity of deepening India’s ties with its diaspora in a region shaped by colonial legacies and modern geopolitical realignments.