She recalled the July 8 morning when Abe, still in good spirits, said "See you later" before leaving for his campaign—those were his last words to her.
Abe had battled a chronic intestinal disease that worsened during a hard election, even considering a major operation. A new medication in 2009 steadied his health, allowing him to return to politics with renewed vigor.
The former prime minister’s friendship with Narendra Modi was a cornerstone of his second term; at his state funeral, Modi publicly offered a comforting hand to Akie Abe in front of a packed audience.
The summit concluded with a joint statement from the Indian and Japanese foreign ministries, reaffirming cooperation and honoring Abe’s legacy.