New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his gratitude to the Government and people of Barbados for conferring him with the ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’ Award. PM Modi dedicated this prestigious recognition to the 1.4 billion people of India and the strong ties between India and Barbados.
Grateful to the Government and the people of Barbados for this honour.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 7, 2025
Dedicate the ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’ Award to the 1.4 billion Indians and to the close relations between India and Barbados. @DameSandraMason @miaamormottley https://t.co/Ab11qHSAyA
In a post on X, PM Modi stated, “Grateful to the Government and the people of Barbados for this honour. Dedicate the ‘Honorary Order of Freedom of Barbados’ Award to the 1.4 billion Indians and to the close relations between India and Barbados.”
The statement was made in response to a post shared by Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pabitra Margherita, who received the award on behalf of PM Modi from Barbados President Dame Sandra Mason. The ceremony took place at the Government House in Bridgetown, in the presence of Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Foreign Minister Kerrie Symmonds, and other dignitaries.
Union Minister Margherita shared photos and videos from the ceremony, highlighting that the award was a recognition of PM Modi’s strategic leadership and significant assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his post on X, Margherita stated, “Honoured 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, in the presence of PM H.E Mia Amor Mottley, FM H.E Kerrie Symmonds and other dignitaries. The award was bestowed upon PM in acknowledgment of his strategic leadership & significant assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement detailing the event, emphasizing that the award recognized PM Modi’s vital role in strengthening international cooperation and support during the COVID-19 crisis.
The award announcement was initially made by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley on November 20, 2024, during a meeting with PM Modi at the 2nd India-CARICOM Leaders’ Summit in Georgetown, Guyana. Mottley had acknowledged PM Modi’s leadership and India’s assistance to countries worldwide during the pandemic.
While accepting the award on behalf of PM Modi, Minister Margherita expressed his appreciation, stating, “It is a profound honour 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.”
The MEA’s statement highlighted the long-standing partnership between India and Barbados, which was established in 1966 and has been marked by continuous engagement and development initiatives. The award, according to the MEA, symbolizes the enduring friendship and cooperation between the two nations.