Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet privately with his Japanese counterpart, Fumio Kishida during his visit to the country.
In a special briefing of the Ministry of External Affairs, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said, “During the upcoming visit of PM Modi, he would, of course, have a greeting occasion with PM Kishida to convey his condolences in person but in addition to that PM Modi will also have a brief bilateral meeting with PM Kishida.” “Naturally, the relevant people involved from the two sides will be available and participate in these discussions. It will take into account, a quick overview analysis of the overall relationship, its current status, its trajectory, its progress and the measures that both nations take it further. It will reaffirm our continued commitment and strong efforts that stakeholders on both sides continue to make – to promote and progress this relationship,” added Kwatra.
Modi will travel to Tokyo, Japan, in order to attend Shinzo Abe’s state funeral on September 27, 2022. He will attend the State Funeral service at Budokan during his visit, followed by a welcoming event at Akasaka Palace.
When asked about potential bilateral meetings amongst the Quad, he responded, “At this time, no further bilateral meet arranged or any other meetings planned.”
Notably, Quad leaders will attend the state burial for the late former Prime Minister Abe.
The Foreign Secretary estimates that PM Modi would be in Japan for 12 to 16 hours in total.
Regarding the high regard former Prime Minister Abe enjoyed in India, he said, “When previous Prime Minister Abe passed away, a day of national mourning had been set aside. Former Prime Minister Abe is a close friend of PM Modi, and he expressed his deepest sympathies at the time.”
India had declared a day of national mourning to honour Abe Shinzo on July 9, 2022.
PM Modi will use the trip as a chance to pay tribute to former PM Abe, whom he regarded as a close friend and a staunch supporter of India-Japan relations.
PM Modi and PM Abe formed a close personal relationship. 2014 saw the elevation of India-Japan relations to the level of Special Strategic and Global Partnership through their meetings and exchanges over the course of more than ten years, starting with PM Modi’s trip to Japan in 2007 while serving as the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
“As I mentioned, PM Modi will have the chance to attend the state funeral alongside representatives from 20 Heads of State and Government and 100 other nations during this tour. Additionally, PM Modi will have the chance to meet with PM Kishida and Mrs. Abe to personally offer his condolences to the nation, the leadership, and Mrs. Abe “he added.