NEW DELHI: Bureaucrat-turned-politician N K Singh will be honoured with Japan's second highest national decoration for his contribution in boosting Indo-Japan economic relations over last few decades.
The prestigious 'The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star' will be conferred on Singh by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at a ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on May 10 followed by an audience with Emperor Akihito.
Announcing the award, the Japanese government said Singh has been chosen for the honour in recognition of the "catalytic role" played by him in the furtherance of Indo-Japanese economic relations over decades.
Singh had served in Japan during the investment decision of Maruti-Suzuki and subsequent forays of the Japanese automobile companies into India.
75-year-old Singh is a politician, economist and former top bureaucrat. Till recently he was a member of the Rajya Sabha. He has been among the country's top bureaucrats and handled important portfolios such as India's Expenditure and Revenue Secretary and a Member of the Planning Commission.
"My association with Japan began in 1981 and has only strengthened over these years. This award comes at a juncture when Indo-Japanese relationship are at the cusp of historical changes under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Abe who share a special personal chemistry.
"The 21st Century Asian Renaissance greatly depends on the deepening of Indo-Japanese relations," Singh said reacting to the announcement of the award.
The Order of the Rising Sun is a Japanese Government honor established in 1875 by Emperor Meiji. A modern version of the order is being given to non-Japanese recipients beginning from 1981. It is conferred in recognition of distinguished accomplishments of an individual.
Prime Minister Abe has sent a personal invitation to Singh for the award ceremony.