Akie Abe, wife of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, recently visited the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, where she reflected on her late husband’s deep admiration for India and his strong personal bond with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During her interaction with India’s Ambassador to Japan, Nagma M Mallick, Akie Abe also spoke about her ongoing charitable work and initiatives focused on supporting young people. The embassy described the visit as a meaningful moment of remembrance and goodwill, highlighting the longstanding friendship between the two nations.
In a post shared on X, the Indian Embassy noted that Akie Abe fondly recalled the close relationship between Shinzo Abe and PM Modi, emphasizing the warmth and mutual respect that defined their personal and diplomatic connection. The embassy also acknowledged her contributions to social causes and her continued engagement with humanitarian efforts.
In a previous event held in Tokyo last year, Akie Abe had also spoken about her husband’s special relationship with India, stating that his connection with the country went far beyond his official role as prime minister. She recalled how Shinzo Abe and PM Modi shared a strong personal rapport built on trust, respect, and shared vision for closer India-Japan cooperation.
Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe played a key role in transforming India-Japan relations into a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. His diplomatic engagement with India began years earlier, during PM Modi’s tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, laying the foundation for a long-standing political and personal friendship between the two leaders.
Following Shinzo Abe’s tragic assassination in 2022, PM Modi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a close friend and global statesman. He described Abe as a visionary leader who contributed significantly to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing global cooperation. PM Modi also attended his state funeral as a mark of respect.
India observed a day of national mourning in honor of Shinzo Abe, recognizing his contribution to bilateral relations and global diplomacy. Abe served as Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, holding office from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020, during which he prioritized strengthening India-Japan strategic relations and expanding cooperation across economic, security, and cultural fields.
