By Dr Kirk Meighoo
So, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is coming to Trinidad and Tobago and of course, the internet is having a meltdown. Suddenly people who’ve never read a single article beyond a Twitter headline are talking about “he killed Muslims,” “he’s a dictator,” “he doesn’t belong here,” and now, apparently, we’ve disgraced the country by giving him the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago?
Let’s clear the fog, with facts.
First… the Gujarat Riots Accusation.
Yes, the 2002 Gujarat riots were tragic. But what some of you keep deliberately ignoring is that Modi was cleared by India’s Supreme Court, after an exhaustive investigation. The court-ordered Special Investigation Team (SIT) found no evidence that he was involved in any conspiracy or failed in his constitutional duties. That’s not hearsay that’s a legal ruling.
So unless you’re saying India’s judiciary is part of some conspiracy too, maybe stop repeating outdated propaganda.
The Mosque in Delhi? Ram Mandir?
Yes, a mosque was demolished in Delhi in 2024 because it was illegally constructed on government land. Just like when unauthorized temples or churches are removed in India but those don’t trend, do they?
And the Ram Mandir? The Supreme Court of India gave the go-ahead for construction after a 70+ year legal case. It wasn’t Modi’s personal project it was a court decision based on archaeological and historical evidence. But again, that doesn’t fit the narrative, right?
“He is only getting the Order of the Republic because he’s Indian”
This one is the most shallow argument of them all.
So we’re saying a sovereign country like T&T can’t choose to honour the leader of the largest democracy in the world unless it’s “because he’s Indian”? What kind of nonsense is that? Modi is a globally recognized statesman who has transformed India’s global standing diplomatically, economically, and culturally.
We give the award to cricketers, entertainers, and politicians from the U.S. and U.K. but somehow it’s only controversial when it’s an Indian?
Let’s be honest. This outrage isn’t really about human rights or justice. It’s about discomfort with Modi’s unapologetic Hindu identity. That’s the part some people can’t digest. He doesn’t pander. He doesn’t act embarrassed about his culture. And yes he’s nationalistic. Just like every other leader who puts their country first.
Let’s talk about recognition from Muslim and African countries.
You think T&T is the only country that honoured Modi?
Let’s look at a few Muslim-majority countries that have formally awarded him:
Saudi Arabia – Gave him their highest civilian honour, the King Abdulaziz Sash.
United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Awarded him the Order of Zayed, their top civilian honour.
Afghanistan – Gave him the Amir Amanullah Khan Award.
Palestine – Yes, even Palestine honoured him with the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine.
Let that sink in.
Now African countries:
Nigeria – Engaged Modi for major investment and cooperation on energy.
Seychelles and Mozambique – Strengthened bilateral ties, signed key agreements under his leadership.
South Africa – Continues to host him with full diplomatic respect and praise.
These are not Hindu-majority nations. These are nations that see India as a global power and Modi as a legitimate and impactful leader.
So What’s the Real Issue?
It’s not that he got the award.
It’s that he’s not bowing to the global narrative that expects leaders from developing nations to stay soft-spoken and apologetic. It’s that he proudly represents over a billion people, many of whom are tired of being told to dilute their identity to be accepted.
And finally, let’s not pretend that Modi’s the only world leader with a controversial past yet many have visited here, received awards, and got red-carpet treatment without a word of protest.
And while we’re talking human rights…
Where’s the outrage over:
Hindus being persecuted in Pakistan and Bangladesh?
Temples being burned, Hindu girls being kidnapped and forcibly converted?
Minority communities being pushed into silence in countries where they have no freedom of speech or religion?
Not a peep.
Selective outrage is real. And frankly, it’s exhausting.
You don’t have to agree with Modi’s politics. But at least be fair enough to look at the whole picture the legal rulings, the international recognition, the economic gains, the hypocrisy of silence on worse regimes and the fact that India is not some fringe state it is one of the most influential countries in the world.
Sorry, not sorry.