In an unusual gesture, PM Modi tweets praise for Manmohan Singh

New Delhi: In an unusual gesture, PM Narendra Modi tweeted praise for Manmohan Singh who was awarded one of Japan’s top national awards.  

Taking to twitter, Modi said, “Matter of joy and pride that Japan has conferred Dr. Manmohan Singh with Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers. Congrats to him.”

Singh was awarded 'The Grand Cordon of the Order of the Paulownia Flowers' for his "significant contribution to the enhancement of relations and promotion of friendship" between Japan and India for about 35 years, a Japanese Embassy statement said here.

It is a "high level National Order" and a rare honour awarded to those who are recognised for their distinguished contribution, it said, adding "Manmohan Singh is the first Indian recipient of this Order."

Singh said he was truly honoured and felt "humbled by the love and affection showered upon me by the people and government of Japan."

He said it had been his dream to see India-Japan relationship grow and prosper and "this is an objective towards which I have worked, not only in my tenure as the

Singh, who served as the Prime Minister for 10 years from 2004, said he was heartened to witness the transformation in India-Japan relations into a durable partnership.