Page 54 - NIS English 01-15 Aug,2022

Tribute Padma Vibhushan Shinzo Abe

prefecture, nestled among the foothills of Mt. Fuji. changing tides and gathering storm of our time and
Even when he was not the Prime Minister of his leadership in responding to it. Long before others,
Japan between 2007 and 2012, and more recently he, in his seminal speech to the Indian Parliament in
after 2020, our personal bond remained as strong 2007, laid the ground for the emergence of the Indo
as ever. Pacific region as a contemporary political, strategic
Every meeting with Abe San was intellectually and economic reality - a region that will also shape
stimulating. He was always full of new ideas and the world in this century.
invaluable insights on governance, economy, And, he led from the front in building a framework
culture, foreign policy, and various other subjects. and architecture for its stable and secure, peaceful
His counsel inspired me in my economic choices and prosperous future, based on values that he
for Gujarat. And, his support was instrumental in deeply cherished – respect for sovereignty and
building Gujarat’s vibrant partnership with Japan. territorial integrity, adherence to international
Later on, it was my privilege to work with him law and rules, peaceful conduct of international
to bring about an unprecedented transformation relations in a spirit of equality and shared prosperity
of the strategic partnership between India and through deeper economic engagement.
Japan. From a largely narrow, bilateral economic The Quad, the ASEAN-led forums, the Indo Pacific
relationship, Abe San helped turn it into a broad, Oceans Initiative, the India-Japan Development
comprehensive one, which not only covered every Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, including Africa and
field of national endeavour, but became pivotal the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure
for our two countries’ and the region’s security. all benefited from his contributions. Quietly and
For him, this was one of the most consequential without fanfare, and overcoming hesitation at
relationships for the people of our two countries home and scepticism abroad, he transformed
and the world. He was resolute in pursuing the civil Japan’s strategic engagement, including in defence,
nuclear agreement with India – a most difficult one connectivity, infrastructure and sustainability,
for his country – and decisive in offering the most across the Indo Pacific region. For that, the region
generous terms for the High Speed Rail in India. As is more optimistic about its destiny and the world
in most important milestones in independent India’s more confident about its future.
journey, he ensured that Japan is there side by side During my Japan visit in May this year, I had the
as New India accelerates its growth. opportunity to meet Abe San, who had just taken over
His contribution to India-Japan relations was as the Chair of the Japan-India Association. He was
richly recognised by the conferment upon him of the his usual self - energetic, captivating, charismatic
prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2021. and very witty. He had innovative ideas on how to
Abe San had a deep insight into the complex further strengthen the India-Japan friendship. When
and multiple transitions taking place in the world, I said goodbye to him that day, little did I imagine
the vision to be ahead of his time to see its impact that it would be our final meeting.
on politics, society, economy and international I will always be indebted for his warmth and
relations, the wisdom to know the choices that wisdom, grace and generosity, friendship and
were to be made, the capacity to make clear and guidance, and I will miss him dearly.
bold decisions even in the face of conventions and We in India mourn his passing as one of our own,
the rare ability to carry his people and the world just as he embraced us with an open heart. He died
with him. His far-reaching policies - Abenomics - doing what he loved the most – inspiring his people.
reinvigorated the Japanese economy and re-ignited His life may have been cut short tragically, but his
the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship of his legacy will endure forever.
people. I extend heart-felt condolences on behalf of the
Among his greatest gifts to us and his most people of India and on my own behalf to the people
enduring legacy, and one for which the world will of Japan, especially to Mrs. Akie Abe and his family.
always be indebted, is his foresight in recognising the Om Shanti.

52 New India Samachar August 1-15, 2022