Thread by @amishra77

#ShinzoAbe was among the first global leaders to recognize that the post World War-II order had outlived its utility and 21st century needed new allies and new architecture.

India was pivotal in his thinking about building this new architecture. And Modi the fulcrum. 1/10

#ShinzoAbe first visited India as PM in 2007. Remember, this was a time that then UPA government, with its assets in India and supported by elements abroad, had put its full might to frame Modi.

Yet, in 2007 visit, Abe made it a point to visit Gujarat and meet Modi. 2/10

The relationship that #ShinzoAbe & Modi built in 2007 was for a reason.

Both Modi & Abe were (are) fierce nationalists who were (are) determined to chart a new course for their respective countries,unencumbered by the past. Unapologetic about the ambitions for their nations.3/10

It is also instructive that in the 2007/2008 ( even though Modi was then only CM of a state) Modi had the foresight to forge a special relationship with Japan while Congress, then in power, was signing MoUs with Communist party of China at Gandhi family level. 4/10

"I come before you on behalf of the citizens of another democracy that is equally representing Asia, to speak to you about my views on the future of Japan and India’’ said #ShinzoAbe in his 2007 address to Indian Parliament.

Abe also conceptualized the Quad in 2006/2007. 5/10

Then UPA govt. was appeasing China so Quad did not take off.

Modi & #ShinzoAbe though kept in touch.When Modi visited Japan in 2012, Abe was LoP. They again met.

Notice that despite posturing by Europeans & Americans during the toxic UPA era,Abe never let it influence him.6/10

Indo-Japan relationship took a decisive turn when Modi became PM in 2014. Japan became the first stop for Modi outside India's neighborhood.

Personal relationship forged during the past decade now started influencing bilateral policy as well as broader global strategic play.7/10

Bullet train agreement.
Smart Cities collaboration.
Defence Cooperation (between Navy especially).
International Solar Alliance.

And of course, the Quad finally taking shape from just an idea to Summits.

The cooperation became multidimensional. 8/10
mea.gov.in/bilateral-docu…

So what was it that made #ShinzoAbe and Modi bond so well?

Both believed that 21st century is Asian century.
Both fierce nationalists.
Both rejected imposed global code of 20th century.
Both believed in asserting national interest.
Both represent civilizational states. 9/10

"The Pacific and the Indian Oceans are now bringing about a dynamic coupling as seas of freedom and of prosperity"#ShinzoAbe in 2007 on India.

Abe was not only was among the first to foresee the rise of India but also befriended the man who would lead that rise.

Om Shanti.10/10