India-japan bonhomie on display in Guj

GANDHINAGAR: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived to an unprecedented welcome in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

He also stressed on the two countries playing a leading role in the Asia Pacific region, underpinning the strategic intent of the 12th annual India-japan summit on Thursday. Abe, who visited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi when he was in India in 2015, was accorded a welcome rarely given to a visiting dignitary.

A road show, visit to the Sabarmati Ashram, walk around a historic mosque and private dinner at a heritage hotel in Modi’s home state Gujarat — where assembly elections are round the corner — marked the Japanese PM’S first day in India. Modi received Abe at the airport, a warm gesture he has so far reserved for few visiting dignitaries such as former United States President Barack Obama and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina.

After the customary guard of honour, the leaders and Japanese First Lady Akie Abe got into an open-top van for an 8km road show cutting through the city. Abe and the First Lady sported Indian outfits throughout the evening. The road show route was dotted with artistes who showcased the country’s cultural diversity. The leaders then visited Sabarmati Ashram and paid respects to Mahatma Gandhi. They also sat by the river before taking a break to meet again at Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali — a yellow sandstone mosque built by the Gujarat sultanate in the 16th century and considered a heritage icon.

Later, the leaders proceeded for a dinner at Agashiye terrace restaurant at heritage boutique hotel House of MG.