Why Shinzo Abe will always remain special for India

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a colossus on the Japanese political stage, leaves behind a huge void. Images of Prime Minister Abe at the Ganga Aarti in Varanasi in 2015 or accompanying his friend Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the bullet train in Japan in 2016 flash through one's mind. At Varanasi, Abe's face reflected the luminescence of the lamps. Looking back, it seems it was his personal tryst with the eternal waters of the holy Ganga which grant 'moksha' (salvation).

Abe was no ordinary politician. He was that rare breed of politician who nurtured a vision for Japan to emerge not just as a robust economic power in the 21st century but also as one that could meaningfully contribute to the emerging geopolitical challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. A nationalist, his message when he returned to office in 2012 after a short-lived first stint in 2007, was unambiguous - "Japan is back" - implying the country's new-found role and confidence as a guardian of the global commons, not just a bystander riding piggyback with others. The defence and security of Japan in a rapidly changing world was of particular interest to him, ranging from reviewing the pacifist Constitution to the role of the self-defence forces, the restrictive defence export guidelines, besides strengthening collective security in the extended neighbourhood. In short, he had the strength and conviction to explore new realms that would enhance Japan's relevance.

Abe emerged as the driving force behind some of the dominant themes of today, be it the free and open Indo-Pacific which germinated from his landmark speech in the Indian Parliament in 2007 titled 'Confluence of the Two Seas' or the Quad, which was linked to his concept of "Asia's democratic security diamond". He was one of the few Japanese leaders to offer a well-structured response to China's Belt and Road Initiative in the form of the "expanded partnership in quality infrastructure", using Japan's enormous economic resources for the good of the region.

Read more at: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/why-shinzo-abe-will-always-remain-special-for-india/articleshow/92756827.cms