VARANASI, India (Diya TV) — Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Akie Abe, the widow of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, inaugurated a memorial corridor Wednesday honoring the late leader’s contribution to India-Japan relations.
The corridor at the Rudraksh International Cooperation and Convention Centre features a photo gallery documenting bilateral ties and Abe’s friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to United News of India.
Adityanath described the memorial as a “living classroom” where young visitors could learn about the relationship between the countries. He said strengthening that partnership would offer the best tribute to Abe.
Akie Abe thanked those involved in preserving her husband’s memories at the gallery. State ministers, legislators and members of a Japanese delegation attended the ceremony.
The venue itself reflects the countries’ cooperation. Japan funded the Rudraksh centre through grant assistance, and Modi inaugurated it several years ago. At that opening, Modi credited Abe with helping advance the project.
During Wednesday’s ceremony, Adityanath highlighted cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, green hydrogen and critical minerals. He also pointed to Buddhist sites in Uttar Pradesh and the cultural links between Varanasi and Kyoto.
India awarded Abe the Padma Vibhushan, one of its highest civilian honors, for his contribution to bilateral relations.
The inauguration comes ahead of the anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Japan next year. The countries established those relations through a peace treaty signed after World War II.
