India, July 4 -- Trinidad and Tobago on Friday presented its highest honour to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in recognition of his role in strengthening bilateral ties.

The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago was presented to Modi at a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar and President Christine Carla Kangaloo, who are both of Indian-origin.

Modi described the honour as a symbol of the "eternal and deep friendship" between the two countries, and said he accepted it on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians.

"The conferment of this honour for the first time on a foreign leader reflects the depth of our special relations," he said.

"One hundred and eighty years ago, those who came here from India laid the foundation...