PM Modi Japan Visit: PM Modi arrives in Japan, will attend the funeral of late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reached Tokyo today to attend the funeral of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. From here the PM will go to Akasaka Palace, where he will be greeted. Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said that during the visit the Prime Minister will attend the state funeral ceremony in Budokan. PM Modi's visit to Japan is a total of 12 to 16 hours.

Will hold a bilateral meeting with Japan PM Kishida

During this visit, Prime Minister Modi will also meet Japanese PM Kishida and Mrs. Abe. Apart from the opportunity of greeting PM Kishida to personally express his condolences, PM Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with his Japanese counterpart.

PM tweeted before leaving

Hours before leaving for Japan, PM Modi tweeted that he was going to attend the funeral of former PM Shinzo Abe, a dear friend and a great champion of India-Japan friendship. He said that on behalf of all Indians, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to Prime Minister Kishida and Mrs. Abe. The PM said that we will continue to work to further strengthen India-Japan relations as envisaged by Abe.

Thousands of dignitaries from around the world will attend

Abe's state funeral will take place today and will be attended by thousands of dignitaries from around the world. Representatives from over a hundred countries, including over 20 heads of state and government, are expected to attend the funeral.

Modi considered his dear friend

Prime Minister Modi considered Shinzo Abe as his dear friend. He had several meetings with Prime Minister Abe while he was the then Chief Minister of Gujarat. The two leaders have accorded the status of a Special Strategic and Global Partnership to India-Japan relations.

was shot dead

Shinzo Abe was assassinated on July 8 during a campaign speech in the city of Nara. India declared a day of national mourning on 9 July in honor of Shinzo Abe.