During the inauguration, Akie Abe became emotional while recalling her husband's visit to Varanasi in 2015, when he accompanied Modi to witness the Ganga Aarti. She said the visit had left a lasting impression on him and that he would have wished to return to the ancient city.
Adityanath described the memorial as a symbol of the enduring friendship between India and Japan. He said the relationship between Modi and Abe had helped expand bilateral cooperation in infrastructure, technology, investment and cultural exchanges.
Legacy of stronger ties
Shinzo Abe, who served as Japan's Prime Minister during two separate periods, played an important role in advancing the strategic partnership between India and Japan. His tenure witnessed closer cooperation in defence, connectivity, infrastructure development and regional security, alongside increased Japanese investment in major Indian projects.
Abe was also closely associated with the development of the Indo-Pacific strategic framework and efforts to deepen cooperation among India, Japan, Australia and the United States. India honoured him with the Padma Vibhushan in 2021 in recognition of his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.
The former Japanese Prime Minister was assassinated in July 2022 while delivering an election campaign speech in Japan. Modi subsequently travelled to Tokyo to attend his state funeral and personally conveyed his condolences to Akie Abe.
The latest meeting reaffirmed the personal and diplomatic bonds established during Abe's tenure, as India and Japan prepare to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2027.