Mumbai, October 2026 : Akie Abe, wife of former Japanese Prime Minister late Shinzo Abe, paid a courtesy visit to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
During the meeting, Akie Abe shared her experiences of visiting Varanasi and Kashi, highlighting the striking similarities between India's ancient spiritual traditions and religious practices in Japan.
Describing Varanasi as one of India's oldest and holiest cities, she spoke about her experience at a spiritually significant place near Kashi, where prayers are recited in Sanskrit and rituals, worship and offerings to deities are performed in ways that closely resemble Japanese traditions.
She said these similarities underscored the ancient origins and enduring strength of the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Japan.
A delegation accompanying Akie Abe was present during the meeting. Dr Shrikar Pardeshi, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, was also present.
