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Japan PM Shinzo Abe visits Varanasi with PM Narendra Modi: As it happened

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Japan and India agreed several high-profile deals on Saturday on high-speed rail, defence technology, and a memorandum of understanding on civil nuclear cooperation.

12 December 2015
22:03 PM IST

In a series of tweet PM Modi thanks UP Govt and other officials for making Shinzo Abe's Varanasi visit a big success.  

21:17 PM IST

Sayonara Kashi. After a unique visit to the 'Eternal City' the two Prime Ministers emplane for Delhi.

20:17 PM IST

Also Read: For Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, its business in Delhi and spirituality in Varanasi

20:16 PM IST

Guests enjoy a unique cultural performance while feasting on pure vegetarian Banarasi thali. 

20:13 PM IST

PM Narendra Modi hosts banquet for Japan PM Shinzo Abe along with the Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav, Governor Ram Naik, Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav, renowned musician and Padma Bhushan awardee Pandit Channu Lal Mishra, author Neerja Madhav, Pandit Ashok Dwivedi of the Kashi Visvanath Temple Trust and a number of other prominent personalities from various walks of life.

19:43 PM IST

Dressed in a Nehru jacket, Japanese PM Shinzo Abe takes part in Ganga Aarti with PM Modi.

                                                                                                                                   (Pic courtesy: @MEA India)

19:41 PM IST
19:32 PM IST

Harnessing history for a visionary future: The PMs take forward the Kyoto-Varanasi Partnership

19:23 PM IST

PM Narendra Modi tweets that a convention centre will be built in Varanasi with Japanese assistance.

19:17 PM IST

The auspicious ceremony of "Ganga Aarti" at Dasaswamedh Ghat in Varanasi concludes amid loud chanting of “Har har Mahadev”. PM Modi along with Japan PM Shinzo Abe offer prayers, lift their hands in order to offer prayers to the almighty.

                                                                                                                                                (Pic courtesy: ANI)

 

 

19:10 PM IST

Apart from Varansai, Ganga Aarti is also performed in Rishikesh and Haridwar. 

                                                                                                                                    (Pic courtesy: ANI)

18:58 PM IST

Also Read: India, Japan sign 16 deals including high-speed trains, defence, education, tech

18:50 PM IST

The official Twitter handle of PMO India tweets a picture of PM Modi and Japan PM Shinzo Abe direct from the Dasaswamedh Ghat.

18:48 PM IST

Latest tweet by PMO shows PM Modi's special friendship with Shinzo Abe.

18:24 PM IST

To the blowing of conch shells and the chanting of Vedic hymns, a group of priests carry forward the "Ganga Aarti" ceremony at Dashashwamedh Ghat.

                                                                                                                                                 (Pic courtesy: ANI)

18:08 PM IST

Part of the auspicious "Ganga Aarti" ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat in Varanasi ends. 

18:01 PM IST
17:59 PM IST

PM Narendra Modi and Japan PM Shinzo Abe arrive at Dasaswamedh Ghat, take part in the "Ganga Arti", an exquisitely choreographed ritual performed daily on the banks of the river, in Varanasi.

17:52 PM IST
17:49 PM IST

Convoy of PM Modi, Japan's PM Shinzo Abe moves from hotel Taj to Dashashwamedh Ghat where they will watch the "Ganga Arti".

 

17:41 PM IST
17:22 PM IST

Also Read: Japanese PM Shinzo Abe arrives in Varanasi to a red carpet welcome

16:54 PM IST

Japan PM Abe, accompanied by PM Narendra Modi, receives warm welcome with an orchestra of "dhols", "shehnai" & "dungchen" in Varanasi.

                                                                                                                                                (Pic courtesy: ANI)

16:25 PM IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japan's PM Shinzo Abe reach Varanasi.

Also Read: From Kyoto to Kashi: What will Japan's PM Shinzo Abe do for 4 hours in Varanasi

15:05 PM IST
14:52 PM IST

A son of legendary Shehnai player late Ustad Bismillah Khan will be performing today at a cultural event in Varanasi to welcome Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Also Read: Bismillah Khan's son to perform to welcome Modi, Abe in Varanasi

14:47 PM IST
13:26 PM IST

Elaborate security arrangements are in place in Varanasi which is all decked up to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe today. The two leaders are likely to arrive at around 4:00 pm at the Babatpur Airport.

12:32 PM IST
12:31 PM IST
12:30 PM IST

People to people relations are important. We are extending multiple entry visas, announces Japan's PM Abe. 

12:25 PM IST

A protest is taking place against Indo-Japan nuclear deal in Delhi. Ex-CPI (M) general secretary Prakash Karat is present. 

12:23 PM IST

Japan's PM Shinzo Abe says: "We have taken relationship to a new level and buds have turned into blossoms...With a view to supporting growth of India, both public and private sector of Japan will act in unison."

 

 

12:21 PM IST

Recognising our special relationship, India will extend 'visa on arrival' to all Japanese citizens from March 01, 2016: PM Modi

12:20 PM IST

I appreciate Japan's PM Shinzo Abe's support for India's membership of APEC. We will also strive for our rightful place in a reformed UN Security Council: PM

 

12:19 PM IST
12:18 PM IST

We have taken two more decisive steps in security co-operation that will deepen our defence relations and promote defence manufacturing in India. This builds on decision to expand staff talks to all three wings of Armed Forces and to make Japan a partner in Malabar Naval Exercises: PM Modi

12:17 PM IST

We are engaged in wide ranging collaboration in clean energy and energy efficiency technology that will create solutions for the world at large, notes PM Modi.

12:16 PM IST

We appreciate the sharp rise in bilateral assistance programme and the strength of public and private Japanese commitment for `Make in India`. Last year, Japan's PM Abe spoke of USD 35 billion of Japanese finance and investments for India over five years. 

12:16 PM IST

Japan has signed a deal to build India`s first bullet train, announces Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "This enterprise will launch a revolution in Indian railways and speed up India`s journey into the future. It will become an engine of economic transformation in India".

Also Read: Japan to build India`s first bullet train: India PM Modi

12:15 PM IST

India and Japan ink MoU on civil nuclear energy.

Also Read: India, Japan ink MoU on peaceful use of n-energy

12:14 PM IST

 No other strategic partnership can exercise a more profound influence on shaping the course of Asia and our interlinked ocean regions: Modi

12:13 PM IST

PM Narendra Modi addresses a joint press conference with Shinzo Abe, says he is delighted to welcome his Japanese counterpart, a personal friend and a great champion of India-Japan partnership.

12:12 PM IST
12:10 PM IST
12:09 PM IST

PM Modi and Japan's premier Shinzo Abe exchange joint statement on co-operation in security, infrastructure, technology, education and economy. 

11:27 AM IST
11:25 AM IST
11:10 AM IST

Delegation-level talks are underway between India and Japan at the Hyderabad House in Delhi. 

11:02 AM IST

PM Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe arrive at the Hyderabad House in Delhi.

10:30 AM IST

Japan's PM Shinzo Abe meets President Pranab Mukherjee at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

09:44 AM IST

Business Leaders Forum concludes.

09:34 AM IST

PM Modi's economic policies are like Shinkansen (a network of high-speed railway lines in Japan) - high speed, safe and reliable and carrying many people along: Japan's PM Abe

Also Read: PM Modi takes decisions with the speed of bullet trains— fast and reliable: Prime Minister Abe

09:31 AM IST

Japanese premier Shinzo Abe begins his address, says a strong India is good for Japan and a strong Japan is good for India.

09:29 AM IST
09:28 AM IST

The Prime Minister mentions recent economic indicators in both India and Japan, and says these were extremely encouraging, especially in the light of the global economic slowdown. 

09:27 AM IST

The PM says India is a land of possibilities with excellent human resources and a technological base. He recalls that Japan had been a part of many key economic turning points in India, and gives the examples of the Maruti car, and the DFC (Dedicated Freight Corridor).​ 

09:26 AM IST

PM Narendra Modi says "Make in India" is proceeding in mission mode, not just in India, but also in Japan. USD 11-12 billion dollar fund has been created in Japan
to promote 'Make in India'. He adds the "Japan Plus" initiative that was begun last year as a policy experiment, is also doing well. 

09:24 AM IST

PM Narendra Modi begins address at the business leaders meet.

09:09 AM IST
09:05 AM IST

PM Narendra Modi receives Japan's PM Shinzo Abe ahead of the Business Leaders Forum.

09:00 AM IST

The two leaders are also expected to interact with dignitaries of Varanasi over dinner before boarding their return flight to the national capital.

08:45 AM IST

Officials of the Japanese Embassy have been camping in Varanasi for the past few days to take stock of preparations and security arrangements for the visit of Abe.

08:41 AM IST

Army and Navy personnel would be guarding the make-shift stage from where the Premiers will enjoy a panoramic view of the event.

08:40 AM IST

A gigantic make-shift stage has been erected on the river bed with the help of pontoons and a music system is being installed with special permission from the Allahabad High Court.

08:30 AM IST

The two leaders will attend the 'Ganga Arti', a beautifully choreographed ritual worship of the holy river performed daily at the fabled Dashashwamedh Ghat.

08:20 AM IST

PM Modi is likely to present his Japanese counterpart with artefacts prepared by artisans of Varanasi.

08:15 AM IST

Marking a new chapter in centuries-old ties between India and Japan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe will visit Varanasi today after concluding talks in Delhi.

08:11 AM IST

According to sources, the sides are working to make forward movement in the proposed nuclear deal.

08:10 AM IST

A number of agreements to expand cooperation in a range of areas are expected to be signed after Modi-Abe talks, likely to deliberate on a number of infrastructure projects, including the ambitious smart cities initiative.

08:05 AM IST

During the 9th annual Indo-Japan summit talks, the two leaders will review implementation of various decisions taken in their previous meetings and discuss ways to further boost trade and investment between the two Asian economic powers.

08:02 AM IST

During the meeting, the two sides are expected to seal a Rs 98,000 crore deal for India's first bullet train track and deliberate on a civil nuclear agreement.

Also Read: Japanese PM Shinzo Abe's India visit: Rs 98,000 crore bullet train deal to be signed today

08:00 AM IST

Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, who arrived in India on Friday on a three-day visit, will participate in an annual summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday. 

Also Read: Narendra Modi's special friend Shinzo Abe arrives in India: Here's what to expect

01:50 AM IST

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar says Mumbai-Ahmedabad high speed rail project will be completed in seven years. Japan has given a highly concessional loan with repayment period of 50 years and 15 year moratorium. It has an interest rate of 0.1 percent. The project will be executed in a joint venture of the Indian and Japanese companies.