Ahmedabad, September 14: Finally! The journey of bullet train commences in India with top speed from Ahmedabad to Mumbai. Notably, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe on Thursday jointly laid the foundation stone for the high-speed bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai.
Japanese PM Shinzo Abe speech: HIGHLIGHTS:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech: HIGHLIGHTS
Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani welcomed Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and expressed gratitude towards Japan. While, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said “with laying foundation of bullet train, we are also laying foundation of 'New India'.”
The two leaders will also hold the 12th Indo-Japan annual Summit meeting at Gandhinagar on Thursday after which agreements will be signed. Gujarat chief secretary JN Singh said 15 agreements will be signed for investments in the state during the visit of the Japanese Prime Minister.
Earlier on Wednesday, PM Modi held an 8-km road show with his counterpart Shinjo Abe and his wife in Ahmedabad. The road show, which began from Ahmedabad airport ended at the Sabarmati Ashram. The road show, designed to showcase India's cultural diversity, saw artists from several states performing on 28 stages erected by the roadside.
The visiting dignitaries and PM Modi paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the ashram where the Father of the Nation lived for about 12 years. The three dignitaries later sat for some time by the serene Sabarmati Riverfront, developed by PM Modi when he was the chief minister of Gujarat.
PM Modi also hosted dinner for his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and his wife Akie at a famous Agashiye restaurant, known for its elegance and kosher Gujarati cuisine. PM Modi and the Abe couple also visited the 16th century Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in evening and enjoyed the performance of musical instrument Jal Tarang.
Accompanied by his wife, Japanese Prime Minister arrived in Ahmedabad on Wednesday on a two-day to India. Abe's wife Akie will visit a number of places including an NGO- Blind People's Association on Thursday.