Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 11: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday welcomed Akie Abe, wife of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at his official residence, Varsha, in Mumbai, and highlighted the longstanding cultural and spiritual connections between India and Japan.

In a post on X, Fadnavis said the two discussed similarities between India’s ancient spiritual traditions and Japan’s religious practices. Akie Abe also shared her experiences from her visit to Varanasi, highlighting the cultural bonds between the two countries.

Fadnavis said Maharashtra’s relationship with Japan continued to strengthen through cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, tourism and people-to-people connections. He expressed confidence that the partnership would grow further in the coming years.

The chief minister also referred to the Abe Memorial Corridor at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi, inaugurated by Akie Abe and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on October 7.

He described the memorial as a tribute to India-Japan friendship and the close relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Shinzo Abe, whose leadership played a significant role in strengthening bilateral ties.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met Akie Abe in New Delhi on October 8 and recalled the former Japanese prime minister’s contribution to relations between the two countries.

Akie Abe’s visit to India has included engagements focused on cultural cooperation and the legacy of her late husband. Shinzo Abe shared a close association with Modi and visited Varanasi with the Indian prime minister in 2015.

Fadnavis said Maharashtra looked forward to further strengthening its relationship with Japan through cooperation in culture, education and tourism.