Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's second India visit began with a rousing welcome in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Here's all you need to know about the action-packed day 1 of this visit.
On a sunny Wednesday, as the Japanese Air Force One plane carrying India and Japan's flags landed at Ahmedabad Airport, it ushered a new chapter in the bilateral ties of two Asian powers.
Here are 10 major updates of the Day 1 of Shinzo Abe's India visit:
1: Breaking protocol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie Abe at the Ahmedabad Airport around 3:30 pm on Wednesday.
2: In his trademark bear hug, PM Modi extended a warm welcome to his guest from Tokyo.
3: For the 8-km-long roadshow from Ahmedabad Airport to Sabarmati Ashram, PM Abe and his wife changed into Indian clothes.
4: While PM Abe was seen in smart ink-blue Nehru jacket and white kurta-payjama, his wife opted for subtle red salwar kameez.
5: Despite a busy working day, almost entire Ahmedabad lined up to catch a glimpse of the leaders.
6: The roads were filled with people waving Indian and Japanese national flags. Many performers were also seen dancing to various Indian dance forms to showcase India's cultural diversity on 28 small stages en route the roadshow.
7: At the Sabarmati Ashram, PM Modi, PM Abe and his wife paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi. The trio spent some time at the Sabarmati riverfornt before heading to the iconic Sidi Sayyed Mosque.
8: The last of the Mughal-era mosques in the city, Sidi Sayyed is world famous for its intricate 'jaali' work.
9: The day would end with a sumptuous dinner at Ahmedabad's famous Agashiye terrace restaurant. The all-veg menu would also include PM Modi's favourite 'Handvo' or vegetable cake.
10: Day 2 will see the 'bhoomi pujan' of the much-anticipated bullet train project and signing of series of agreements between the two nations.
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 "Narendra Modi Shinzo Abe hug")
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