PM Modi, Shinzo Abey Conduct Roadshow In Ahmedabad, Travel In Open Vehicle

(Photo: AP/File)

With an election in Gujarat around the corner, it does raise a question -- and I hope this is not the case -- that a state visit is actually being used for political purposes because the manner in which it is structured is rather awkward," he told reporters here. Tewari said India had a great relationship with Japan and that relationship, its foundations and consolidation had been laid during the UPA regime. (Photo: AP)

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe arrived in Ahmedabad today on a two-day visit with a packed agenda that includes the laying of foundation stone for India's first bullet train project between Ahmedabad and Mumbai. (Photo: AP)

The two leaders and Japan's First Lady Akie Abe boarded an open jeep and proceeded from the airport to the historic Sabarmati Ashram with thousands of cheering people lining both sides of the eight-and-half km route. (Photo: AP)

Abe, who was in a formal suit when he arrived at the Ahmedabad airport, wore kurta-pyjama and a blue Nehru jacket, while his wife donned red salwar-kameez and a white stole to Sabarmati Ashram. (Photo: AP)

Immediately after the welcome ceremony, Abe, his wife, and Modi set-off on an 8-km roadshow in an open-roof jeep for the Sabarmati Ashram where apostle of peace Mahatma Gandhi spent considerable time of his life. (Photo: AP)

The two leaders repeatedly waved to the crowds that lined up the streets as performers presented traditional dance enroute. (Photo: AP)

The road show, which began from Ahmedabad airport ended at the Sabarmati Ashram after traversing nearly eight kilometres. (Photo: AP)

It was for the first time that Modi held a joint road show with a visiting head of government of a foreign country, reflecting the close bonding he shares with Abe. (Photo: AP)

They performed folk dances in traditional attires, while at several places along the way people in customary Japanese ensemble carrying parasols were also seen breaking into a jig to welcome the visiting dignitaries. (Photo: AP)