Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who arrived in Tokyo on Tuesday for the state funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, held a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida.
In his opening remarks, Modi condoled the death of his dear friend "Abe san." "Today, we are meeting in this hour of sorrow. The last time I came, I had a long conversation with former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. India is missing Shinzo Abe and remembering him and Japan," said Modi.
Modi added that Abe had taken India's and Japan's relationship to new heights. "Our friendship played a key role in the growth of the global perspective. The people of India remember Abe san for all the good work he has done. They are missing Abe san. But, I do believe that under your leadership, India-Japan relations will grow strong and will attain new heights and will play a major role in solving the problems of the world," Modi said.
Kishida then thanked Modi for attending the funeral and acknowledging that Abe and Modi had indeed strengthened India-Japan ties.
Earlier, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra had said how Modi-Kishida meeting underscored the two leaders' commitment towards deepening India-Japan ties, particularly in the context of shaping a post-pandemic regional and global order.
Representatives from over 100 countries, including more than 20 heads of state and governments, are expected to attend Abe's funeral on Tuesday.
Japan has imposed tight security measures in the capital city Tokyo as it is prepared to host foreign dignitaries. Police are taking extra precautions to ensure there is no gap in security. Over 18,000 police personnel have been deployed in connection with the funeral.
Abe was shot dead while making a campaign speech on July 8 in the southern Japanese city of Nara.
