In recognition for bringing India-Japan ties out of a nuclear freeze

Japan will bestow its highest imperial honour on former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in Tokyo on Wednesday in recognition of his efforts at bettering ties between the two nations.

The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers will be conferred on Dr. Singh at a ceremony in the palace.

A statement by the Japanese Embassy said Dr. Singh “will be bestowed [the honour] in recognition of his significant contributions to the enhancement of relations and the promotion of friendship between Japan and India for about 35 years.”

Officials said Dr. Singh had been selected in particular for his work as Prime Minister in building the India-Japan strategic and global partnership signed in 2009, which became the “mainstay of bilateral ties.”