Abe Memorial Corridor In Varanasi Strengthens India-Japan Friendship, Says CM Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today inaugurated the Abe Memorial Corridor at the Rudraksha International Convention Centre in Varanasi and described it as a “living classroom” for the younger generation. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said the best tribute to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would be to further strengthen India-Japan friendship with each passing year. He said that every young person visiting the corridor would learn how a visionary leader can shape the future of two countries.

Mr Yogi said. that the corridor is not merely a place preserving the memories of Shinzo Abe, but a living symbol of the enduring friendship, trust and shared heritage between India and Japan. He described it as a humble tribute to Abe on behalf of the 25 crore people of Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 140 crore Indians.

The Chief Minister noted that October 7 is particularly significant as it marks 25 years since Prime Minister Narendra Modi first took oath as Gujarat Chief Minister in 2001. He said the foundation of the friendship between Prime Minister Modi and Shinzo Abe was also laid during that period.

Mr Yogi said the inauguration of a memorial corridor dedicated to that friendship on the day marking 25 years of Prime Minister Modi’s public service is a remarkable coincidence.

He said India and Japan will celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2027, and described the Abe Memorial Corridor as the first gift of this milestone year.

The Chief Minister said around 1,400 Japanese companies are currently operating in India, while the India-Japan partnership has expanded into emerging areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, green hydrogen and critical minerals.

He said Japan has technology and India has talent, while Japan has experience and India has youthful energy. According to Mr Yogi, when the friendship between two leaders becomes a bond of trust between two nations, it can change history.

He also recalled that Shinzo Abe was conferred the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honours, in 2021.

Highlighting the cultural and spiritual links between India and Japan, the Chief Minister said Japan is known as the “Land of the Rising Sun”, while Uttar Pradesh can be described as the “Land of the Solar Dynasty”, as Lord Ram was born in the Suryavansh.

He said important Buddhist sites associated with the life of Lord Buddha-including Sarnath, Kushinagar, Kapilvastu, Shravasti, Kaushambi and Sankisa-are located in Uttar Pradesh. He added that the spiritual journey of Japan’s Buddhist faith passes through Uttar Pradesh.

Drawing a parallel between Varanasi and Kyoto, Mr Yogi said both cities represent the soul of their respective civilisations and have demonstrated that development can be achieved while preserving cultural heritage.

Shinzo Abe’s wife Akie Abe, state ministers, legislators and members of the Japanese delegation were present at the inauguration ceremony.