11 October,2026 09:17 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Akie Abe. Pic/X
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Sunday welcomed Akie Abe, wife of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, at his official residence, Varsha, in Mumbai, and highlighted the cultural and spiritual links between India and Japan.
In a post on X, Fadnavis said the two discussed the similarities between India's ancient spiritual traditions and Japan's religious practices, as well as Maharashtra's longstanding relationship with Japan through cultural exchanges, education and tourism.
In his post, Fadnavis said, "Honoured and happy to welcome Mrs Akie Abe san, wife of the Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe san, at my official residence 'Varsha' in Mumbai, today."
He said Akie Abe shared her experiences from her visit to Varanasi, highlighting the cultural connections between the two countries.
"She shared her experiences from her visit to Varanasi, highlighting the striking similarities between India's ancient spiritual traditions and Japan's religious practices, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural and spiritual bonds between the two nations," he said.
Fadnavis also referred to the Abe Memorial Corridor at the Rudraksh International Convention Centre in Varanasi, which was inaugurated by Akie Abe and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on October 7.
"The Abe Memorial Corridor at Varanasi's Rudraksh International Convention Centre stands as a befitting tribute to India-Japan friendship and the close bond between our visionary leaders Hon PM Narendra Modi Ji and Former PM Shinzo Abe san, whose friendship strengthened ties between the two nations," he said.
The memorial honours Shinzo Abe's contribution to India-Japan relations and his close association with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Modi also met Akie Abe in New Delhi on October 8 and recalled the former Japanese leader's role in strengthening bilateral ties.
Fadnavis said Maharashtra's relationship with Japan continued to develop through cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, tourism and people-to-people connections.
"Maharashtra and Japan share a longstanding relationship that continues to grow stronger through cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, tourism and people-to-people connections. Maharashtra looks forward to further strengthening the beautiful bond with Japan," he added.
Akie Abe's visit to India has included engagements focused on cultural cooperation and the legacy of her late husband, who served as Japan's prime minister and played a significant role in strengthening relations with India.
Earlier, Modi described Shinzo Abe as a close friend and a visionary leader who helped elevate bilateral relations. Akie Abe's visit to the memorial in Varanasi also highlighted her husband's personal connection with the city, including his visit in 2015 with Modi.
