PM Modi Remembers Shinzo Abe in Meeting with Late Leader's Wife

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Akie Abe, widow of Japan's former PM Shinzo Abe, in New Delhi. He reminisced about his friendship with Shinzo Abe and appreciated her continued engagement with India. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met with Akie Abe, underscoring their shared commitment to Indo-Japanese ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday engaged in a heartfelt meeting with Akie Abe, the wife of Japan's late former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Reflecting on his close relationship with Shinzo Abe, PM Modi voiced his fond memories and praised Akie Abe's ongoing involvement with India.

In a social media post, Modi shared, 'Pleased to meet Mrs. Abe this afternoon. Recalled my close personal friendship with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan. Abe San's belief in the potential of India-Japan relations will remain a source of enduring strength for us. Deeply appreciate Mrs. Abe's continuing association with India.'

Earlier, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also met with Akie Abe. He reminisced about Shinzo Abe and his unwavering dedication to enhancing India-Japan relations, highlighting that the late Prime Minister's vision will continue to guide the strategic partnership between the two nations.

In a post on social media, Jaishankar mentioned, '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.' Shinzo Abe was tragically assassinated in Nara on July 8, 2022, during an election campaign speech. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was later declared dead.

Shinzo Abe, aged 67, served as Japan's longest-tenured Prime Minister, holding office from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020 before stepping down due to health issues. PM Modi expressed his condolences at Abe's state funeral in Tokyo on September 27, 2022. Known for his impactful 2007 speech, 'The Confluence of Two Seas,' delivered in the Indian Parliament, Abe also graced the 2014 Republic Day celebrations as Chief Guest and received India's Padma Vibhushan in 2021.

Significantly, the relationship between India and Japan is described as a 'Special Strategic and Global Partnership,' rooted in spiritual, cultural, and civilisational bonds, as noted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

(With inputs from agencies.)