PM Modi dedicates Barbados’ highest honor to 1.4 billion Indians

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of Barbados for conferring upon him the prestigious ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’ award. He dedicated the honor to the 1.4 billion people of India and the strong bilateral ties between the two nations.

“Grateful to the Government and the people of Barbados for this honor. I dedicate the ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’ award to the 1.4 billion Indians and to the close relations between India and Barbados,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

The award was presented on behalf of the Prime Minister by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita at a ceremony in Bridgetown, Barbados. Barbados President Dame Sandra Mason bestowed the honor in the presence of Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds, and other dignitaries.

Sharing photos and videos from the ceremony, Margherita noted that the award was a recognition of PM Modi’s strategic leadership and substantial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Honored to receive, on behalf of PM Narendra Modi, the ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’ award from the President of Barbados, H.E. Dame Sandra Mason, at the Government House in Bridgetown. The award was bestowed upon PM in acknowledgment of his strategic leadership and significant assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he wrote on X.

A statement by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that the announcement of the award was made by Barbados PM Mia Amor Mottley during her meeting with PM Modi in Georgetown, Guyana, on November 20, 2024. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 2nd India-CARICOM Leaders’ Summit. Mottley recognized PM Modi’s efforts in fostering international cooperation and support during the global crisis.

“The award announcement was made by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley during a meeting with Prime Minister Modi on November 20, 2024, in Georgetown, Guyana. Prime Minister Mottley acknowledged the vital role played by Prime Minister Modi in strengthening international cooperation and support during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the MEA statement read.

Receiving the award on behalf of PM Modi, Margherita expressed his appreciation for the honor, underscoring the growing partnership between the two nations.

“It is a profound honor to represent Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accept this prestigious award on his behalf. This recognition underscores the deepening ties between India and Barbados, as well as our shared commitment to collaboration and development, especially in times of crisis,” Margherita stated.

The MEA further highlighted that India and Barbados have maintained a strong diplomatic relationship since 1966, marked by continued engagement and development initiatives.

“This award symbolizes the enduring friendship between the two nations,” the statement added.