Tripti Nath/New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has credited former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with helping a largely narrow, bilateral economic relationship with India into a broad, comprehensive one that covered every field of national endeavour. This became “ a pivotal for our two countries and the region’s security, ‘’ writes Modi in an article published on Tuesday in the online edition of Japan’s leading newspaper, the Yomiuri Shimbun.

In the 17-paragraph article that appeared under the section ‘Outside contributors’, Modi extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people of India and his behalf to the people of Japan, especially to Mrs. Akie Abe and his family. “We in India mourn his passing as one of our own, just as he embraced us with an open heart.’’

Modi acknowledged that for Abe, the India-Japan relationship was one of the most consequential relationships for the people of our two countries and the world. “ He was resolute in pursuing the civil nuclear agreement with India- a most difficult one for his country – and decisive in offering the most generous terms for the High-Speed Rail in India. As in most important milestones in independent India’s journey, he ensured that Japan is there side by side as New India accelerates its growth. His contribution to India-Japan relations was richly recognized by the conferment upon him of the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2021.’’

In the article titled “ My friend, Abe San’’, Prime Minister Modi paid glowing tribute to his “ dear friend” Shinzo Abe. Last week, Modi paid a heartfelt tribute to the memory of Abe in a personal blog. Describing Shinzo Abe as an outstanding leader of Japan, a towering global statesman and a great champion of India-Japan friendship, Prime Minister Modi recalled his first meeting in 2007 during his Japan visit as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. “ Right from that first meeting, our friendship went beyond the trappings of office and the shackles of official protocol.''

Modi said that he will always "cherish the singular honour of having been invited to his family home in Yamanashi prefecture, nestled among the foothills of Mt. Fuji.’’

Enumerating some memorable interactions with Abe, the Prime Minister mentioned their visit to Toji temple in Kyoto, train journey on the Shinkansen, the Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, the Ganga Aarti in Kashi, and the elaborate tea ceremony in Tokyo.

Recalling his last meeting with Abe San during his visit in May this year, the PM said, “He had just taken over as the Chair of the Japan-India Association. He was his usual self- energetic, captivating, charismatic, and very witty. He had innovative ideas on how to further strengthen the India-Japan friendship. When I said goodbye to him that day, little did I imagine that it would be our final meeting.’’

Modi writes, “ Every meeting with Abe San was intellectually stimulating. He was always full of new ideas and invaluable insights on governance, economy, culture, foreign policy, and various other subjects. His counsel inspired me in my economic choices for Gujarat. Later on, it was my privilege to work with him to bring about an unprecedented transformation of the strategic partnership between India and Japan.’’

The Prime Minister said that the Quad, the ASEAN-led for an Indo Pacific Oceans Initiative, the India-Japan Development Cooperation in the Indo Pacific including Africa, and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure all benefitted from his contributions. "Long before others, he, in his seminal speech to the Indian Parliament in 2007, laid the ground for the emergence of the Indo-Pacific region as a contemporary political-strategic, and economic reality- a region that will also shape the world in this century.''

Modi said that Abe took bold decisions and his far-reaching policies-Abenomics- reinvigorated the Japanese economy. The Prime Minister said that Abe San had a deep insight into the complex and multiple transitions taking place in the world. " I will always be indebted for his warmth and wisdom, grace and generosity, friendship and guidance, and I will miss him dearly.''