Jaishankar Remembers Shinzo Abe During Meeting With Akie Abe; India-Japan Relations Continue To Strengthen

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Akie Abe, reflecting on Shinzo Abe's legacy and his dedication to India-Japan relations. The meeting emphasized the former leader's strategic vision, while current collaborations continue under Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw's visit to Japan, highlighting advances in digital and railway cooperation.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with Akie Abe, widow of Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, on Friday. Jaishankar recounted memories of Shinzo Abe, emphasizing his commitment to fostering strong India-Japan relations. According to Jaishankar, Abe's strategic vision will remain a guiding light for the bilateral ties.

Posting on X, Jaishankar stated, 'The meeting with Mrs. Akie Abe this morning brought back so many memories of PM Shinzo Abe and his commitment to India-Japan friendship. As our ties steadily progress, the strategic vision of PM Abe will always serve as a guiding spirit.' Abe was tragically shot during an election campaign speech in Nara on July 8, 2022, and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

Shinzo Abe, who served as Japan's Prime Minister from 2006-2007 and again from 2012-2020, had left an indelible mark on India-Japan relations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned his death and attended Abe's state funeral in Tokyo on September 27, 2022. Notably, Abe delivered the acclaimed 'The Confluence of Two Seas' speech in the Indian Parliament in 2007 and was India's Republic Day Chief Guest in 2014. He was honored with the Padma Vibhushan in 2021, underscoring the deep-rooted India-Japan partnership.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw is currently visiting Japan. On Friday, Vaishnaw discussed enhancing digital collaboration with Japan's Minister for Digital Transformation, Taro Kono. In a post on X, he said, 'Met with H.E. Mr. Taro Kono to discuss strengthening India-Japan digital ties. Explored avenues for collaboration and innovation in the digital landscape, focusing on futuristic technological advancements.'

During his visit, Vaishnaw also paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Park in Tokyo and engaged in a 'productive discussion' with Japan's Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Tetsuo Saito, on enhancing railway cooperation. Additionally, Vaishnaw met with Masafumi Mori, Special Advisor to Japan's Prime Minister, to discuss the current and future state of the India-Japan strategic partnership.

(With inputs from agencies.)