English Translation of Opening Remarks by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi at the bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Japan

Japan : We are meeting today in this hour of grief. After arriving in Japan today, I am feeling more saddened.Because the last time I came, I had a very long conversation with Abe San. And never thought that after leaving, I would have to hear such a news.

Along with Abe San, you in the role of Foreign Minister have taken the India-Japan relationship to new heights and also expanded it further in many areas. And our friendship, the friendship of India and Japan, also played a major role in creating a global impact. And for all this, today, the people of India remember Abe San very much, remember Japan very much. India is always missing him in a way.

But I am confident that under your leadership, India-Japan relations will deepen further, and scale to greater heights. And I firmly believe that we will be able to play an appropriate role in finding solutions to the problems of the world.