Abe Memorial Corridor opens in Varanasi to celebrate India-Japan ties

Memorial Opening

Abe Memorial Corridor has been inaugurated at the Rudraksh Convention Center in Varanasi. Akie Abe, wife of the late former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath opened the site on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, to honor India-Japan friendship and cultural ties.

Leaders' Remarks

Mr. Adityanath called the corridor a living classroom for the new generation and stated that young people can learn how a far-sighted leader shapes the future of two nations. He noted that the true tribute to the late Japanese leader is ensuring bilateral friendship grows stronger every year. He also highlighted that the Rudraksh Convention Center itself was gifted by Japan to Kashi.

Shared History

Mr. Adityanath pointed out that October 7 marks 25 years since Narendra Modi took oath for the first time as Gujarat Chief Minister. He recalled that Mr. Modi visited Japan in 2007 as Gujarat Chief Minister and met Shinzo Abe for the first time. He also mentioned key milestones, including Shinzo Abe's address to the Indian Parliament in August 2007, the signing of the Kashi-Kyoto Partner City Agreement in 2014, Abe's visit to Kashi's Ganga Aarti in 2015, the foundation stone laying for the bullet train in Ahmedabad in 2017, and Prime Minister Modi's visit to Abe's private residence in Yamanashi in 2018.

Context

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, holds deep cultural importance in India and serves as a focal point for international partnerships and heritage projects. The city previously established a partner city agreement with Kyoto, reflecting shared cultural and historical ties between the two nations.