Akie Abe, wife of late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has highlighted her husband’s enduring affection for India and his close friendship with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying his bond with India extended far beyond official diplomacy.

“My husband’s ties with India went beyond his role as Prime Minister. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi, especially, the two of them could feel each other’s warmth simply by exchanging a smile,” Akie Abe said at an event in Tokyo on Wednesday. “There were many things my husband valued and cared for. It is my hope to carry them in my own helpful way.”

Shinzo Abe, remembered as a statesman who transformed India-Japan relations into a “Special Strategic and Global Partnership,” maintained a personal friendship with Modi that dated back to Modi’s tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister.

Akie Abe made her remarks during the first-ever Ms India Japan beauty contest, hosted by Connect India Japan. The cultural event celebrated the shared values and friendship between the two nations. Chiharu Sakamoto of Japan won the title, while Shelley Singh of India was declared first runner-up.

She commended organiser and Connect India Japan founder Nupur Tewari for creating a platform that strengthens cultural diplomacy and empowers women.

The evening featured speeches by R. Madhu Sudan, Charge d’Affaires at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo, and Kazuya Nakajo, Executive Advisor at JETRO, who both underlined the importance of people-to-people exchanges.

The jury included Abe’s former advisor Tomohiko Taniguchi, alongside Japanese and international dignitaries. The gala also showcased Indian classical dance, Japanese music, and cross-cultural performances, highlighting the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between India and Japan.