PM Modi, Shinzo Abe hold road show in Ahmedabad, visit Sabarmati Ashram

Japanese PM on Wednesday began a two-day visit to India.

Ahmedabad: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday began a two-day visit to India with a warm hug from his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

Breaking protocol, PM Modi personally received Abe at the Sardar Vallabhhai Patel International airport.

Abe was given a guard of honour while artistes from different parts of the country presented a variety of programmes.

The two leaders and Japanese PM's wife Akie Abe then boarded an open vehicle and proceeded from the airport to the Sabarmati Ashram.

There they paid floral tributes to a portrait and a bust of Mahatma Gandhi.

All along the route, people lining up both sides of the road cheered and waved at the dignitaries. Abe, who landed in a suit, changed into a white churidar-kurta topped with a bright blue sleeveless jacket.

His wife wore a maroon printed kurta with straight pants.

PM Modi took the Abes on a tour of the Ashram where the three posed for pictures, including one in front of a 'charkha'.

After spending some time there, Abe and Akie went to the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque in the heart of Ahmedabad with PM, guided by Modi. 

The 16th-century mosque is known the world over for its window filigree work synonymous with Ahmedabad. 

The day ended with a dinner at a heritage hotel, House of MG's Aghashiye (terrace) restaurant.

Welcomed Mrs. Abe and PM @AbeShinzo to India. #SwagatShinzoSan pic.twitter.com/FsxEGwp01V — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2017

The people of Ahmedabad extended a very warm welcome to PM @AbeShinzo. pic.twitter.com/00nBEyV34l — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2017

Had the honour of taking Mrs. Abe and PM @AbeShinzo to the Sabarmati Ashram & showing them this iconic place. pic.twitter.com/RFsFA8KpHg — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2017

With PM @AbeShinzo at the 'Sidi Saiyyid Ni Jaali’ in Ahmedabad. pic.twitter.com/np0F5KTUdm — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 13, 2017

Special scribe by honoured guest. PM @AbeShinzo signs visitors book at Sabarmati Ashram pic.twitter.com/k9IlCQpG2n — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) September 13, 2017

(With IANS inputs)