Dhaka: Former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was on Sunday conferred the Bangladesh Liberation War award for his contribution to the liberation of the country from Pakistan.
Prime minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh, received the award on behalf of Vajpayee from President Mohammad Abdul Hamid at a function in Dhaka.
Modi said it was a moment of pride for the people of India.
Recalling Vajpayee's speech of December 1971 in parliament, Modi said the former prime minister had said friendship between India and Bangladesh was like a bond which would not break under any pressure, and would never be the victim of any foul play of diplomacy.
"Even if late, a right step has been taken by recognising Bangladesh. We are witnessing a process of history being written," Modi quoted Vajpayee as saying.
"Fate has put parliament and the country in a role that not only are we fighting alongside those who are sacrificing their lives in the fight for liberation but we are also trying to give a new direction to history.
"Today, the blood of people of Bangladesh fighting for their freedom and that of Indian soldiers is flowing together. This blood will create such bonds which will not break under any pressure, who will never fall victim to any diplomatic foul play. Liberation of Bangladesh has now come near," he said.
Modi said Vajpayee's message had to be passed on to succeeding generations.
On a personal note, Modi said that though he entered politics quite late in his life, he was one of the many youth activists who came to Delhi in response to Vajpayee's call for 'satyagraha' for the liberation of Bangladesh in 1971.
He described himself as one of the millions of Indians who wanted this vision to be realised.
Modi said the honour was being bestowed on a leader who was an inspiration for him and who had provided guidance during the war for the liberation of Bangladesh in his role as an opposition leader.
"An inspiration for so many people like me, Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee is being honoured by Bangladesh," Modi said.
"If Atalji's health permitted and he was present here, this occasion would be very different," Modi said.
Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina highlighted Vajpayee's contribution to her country's Liberation War.
"As a politician, Shri Vajpayee's unstinting support to Bangladesh played an important role in mobilising support for our cause," she said.