Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described former Indian prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as an inspiration for many people.
"An inspiration for so many people like me, Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee is being honoured by Bangladesh," Modi said in a speech ahead of accepting the Bangladesh Liberation War award on behalf of the former prime minuster.
Bangladesh is conferring the award on Vajpayee for his contribution to the South Asian nation's fight for liberation from Pakistan.
"If Atalji's health permitted and he was present here, this occasion would be very different," Modi said.