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.


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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.







(With IANS inputs)