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Key Points

Akie Abe recently shared heartfelt memories of her late husband's profound connection with India. She highlighted that his bond with Prime Minister Narendra Modi was deeply personal, transcending their political roles. Her remarks came during a unique event that blended cultural diplomacy with a beauty pageant to strengthen bilateral ties. The evening celebrated the enduring friendship between the two nations through performances and a focus on women's empowerment.

Key Points: Akie Abe Says Husband Shinzo Abe Modi Bond Went Beyond Politics

  • Akie Abe spoke at a cultural event uniting India and Japan through a beauty contest
  • She emphasized her husband's personal affection for India beyond his official role
  • The event celebrated people-to-people ties and women's empowerment initiatives
  • Shinzo Abe's relationship with Modi began during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister
2 min read

My husband's ties with India went beyond his role as Japan PM: Shinzo Abe's wife

Shinzo Abe's wife Akie reveals his deep personal friendship with PM Modi, recalling a bond felt through smiles and a shared warmth beyond official duties.

"With Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially, the two of them could feel each other’s warmth simply by exchanging a smile. - Akie Abe"

Tokyo, Sep 25

Recalling her late husband's deep love for India and his friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's wife Akie Abe has emphasised that the towering global statesman's ties with India went much beyond his role as Prime Minister.

"My husband’s ties with India went beyond his role as Prime Minister. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially, the two of them could feel each other’s warmth simply by exchanging a smile. There were many things my husband valued and cared for. It is my hope to carry them in my own helpful way," Akie Abe said in her remarks at an event held in Tokyo late Wednesday.

Former Japanese PM Abe had made an immense contribution to elevating India-Japan relations to the level of a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. His association with PM Modi went back many years, having known the Indian leader since his long stint as Gujarat Chief Minister.

Akie Abe reflected on the deep bond between the two leaders and her husband's long association with India during the first-ever beauty contest held on Wednesday. The event, hosted by Connect India Japan, united India and Japan through culture, elegance, and shared values. Chiharu Sakamoto (Japan) was crowned as Ms India Japan 2025, while Shelley Singh (India) was named the First Runners-Up.

Abe praised the organiser and Connect India Japan founder, Nupur Tewari, commending her for backing the initiative that has set the stage for a new era of people-to-people friendship, where cultural exchange meets women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.

The evening also featured keynote addresses from R. Madhu Sudan, Charge d’Affaires at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo and Kazuya Nakajo, Executive Advisor at the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO), both emphasising the significance of cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchange in strengthening bilateral ties.

The jury panel brought together global voices, including Tomohiko Taniguchi, Speechwriter and Special Advisor to the Late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe; Kazuya Nakajo, Executive Advisor, JETRO; James Angelus, President, International Security Industry Council, Japan; Luma Naomi, Miss Grand Japan 2024; and Prof. Rajib Shaw of Keio University.

The event also featured cultural performances of Indian classical dance, Japanese music, and soulful collaborations, followed by a gala dinner celebrating friendship between two nations.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Events like these beauty contests might seem superficial, but they actually create important people-to-people connections. Cultural exchange is the foundation of strong international relationships. Good initiative by Connect India Japan!
M
Michael C
While the sentiment is beautiful, I wonder if focusing on beauty pageants is the most effective way to honor such a significant diplomatic legacy. Perhaps more substantive educational or business exchange programs would be more meaningful.
A
Ananya R
Shinzo Abe was truly a friend of India. His vision for the Indo-Pacific and commitment to our partnership brought so much development to India. The bullet train project, infrastructure development - his legacy lives on. May his soul rest in peace.
S
Sarah B
The combination of cultural performances and women's empowerment initiatives is brilliant. When diplomacy happens through art and culture, it touches hearts in a way that political meetings cannot. More such events please!
V
Vikram M
Abe-san's contribution to India-Japan ties cannot be overstated. From the nuclear deal to infrastructure investments, he was instrumental. Good to see his wife continuing his legacy. Japan has always been a reliable partner for India.

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