PM Modi meets Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, says 'India is missing Shinzo Abe'

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (September 27, 2022) met his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida and conveyed his deepest condolences for the demise of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. He said that Abe, who was assassinated in July, had taken India and Japan relations to new heights and expanded them into many other areas.

"Our friendship played a key role in the growth of the global perspective. The people of India remember Abe San for all the good works he has done. They are missing Abe San," Prime Minister Modi said. 

"But, I do believe that under your leadership (Kishida), India-Japan relations will grow strong and will attain new heights, and will play a major role in solving the problems of the world," he added.

He also noted the contributions of Abe in conceptualizing the vision of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region.

Indian PM Modi extends condolences on demise of Shinzo Abe to Japanese PM Kishida; says, "India remember Abe San". PM Modi recalls his last meet with Abe in Tokyo. pic.twitter.com/nJvbcxHPFR — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) September 27, 2022

During the bilateral meeting, Modi and Kishida had a "productive exchange" of views on further deepening bilateral relations, India's Ministry of External Affairs said. 

"They also discussed a number of regional and global issues. The leaders renewed their commitment towards further strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership, and in working together in the region and in various international groupings and institutions," an official statement read.

PM @narendramodi met Japanese PM @kishida230 & extended his deepest condolences on the untimely demise of former PM Shinzo Abe.

Also had a useful exchange on further enhancing bilateral relations and working together towards realization of a free, open & inclusive IndoPacific. pic.twitter.com/BMsTYnQLW6 — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) September 27, 2022

PM Modi is in Tokyo to attend the state funeral of Abe, who was attacked on July 8 in the city of Nara during a campaign speech and died later that day.

PM @narendramodi arrives in Tokyo.

Will participate in the State Funeral of former PM Shinzo Abe later today.

Will also hold a bilateral meeting with PM @kishida230, reaffirming commitment to further strengthening of India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership. pic.twitter.com/LeUstT3aIN — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) September 26, 2022

Abe's funeral will reportedly be the second state funeral for a former Japanese prime minister since World War II. The first one was held in 1967 for Shigeru Yoshida. Other deceased prime ministers received a joint Cabinet Office and Liberal Democratic Party service.

(With agency inputs)