Jaishankar meets Japan’s late PM Shinzo Abe’s wife; hands over personal letter from PM Modi

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday met Akie Abe, the wife of Japan’s late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and recalled the late premier’s invaluable contribution to the advancement of India-Japan relations.

Abe, 67, died on July 8, 2022, after being shot during an election campaign speech in Nara, Japan.

“On my visit to Tokyo this time, met with Mrs Akie Abe, wife of late PM Shinzo Abe. Recalled PM Shinzo Abe’s invaluable contribution to the advancement of India-Japan relations,” the minister said on platform X.

“Handed over a personal letter from PM Narendra Modi conveying his condolences on the recent passing away of Mrs Yoko Abe, mother of the late PM,” Jaishankar said.

Abe, who served as Japan’s Prime Minister for an extended period, held office from 2006 to 2007 and later from 2012 to 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an emotional note after Abe’s death in 2022 hailed him as an outstanding leader of Japan. Modi said with Abe’s demise, Japan and the world have lost a great visionary and he has lost a dear friend.

Throughout his tenure, Abe prioritised enhancing Japan’s strategic relations with India. He spearheaded significant initiatives such as the bilateral civil nuclear deal, and a key trade agreement and successfully persuaded New Delhi to join the Quad grouping.