Watch: PM Modi Unveils Bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima, Site of World's First Nuclear Attack

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is in Japan at the invitation of Fumio Kishida to attend the G7 Summit, unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima on Saturday.

PM Modi, who also paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, said that even today the world gets frightened when they listen to the word 'Hiroshima'. "I got the opportunity to unveil a bust of Mahatma Gandhi during my visit to Japan for the G7 Summit. The bust of Mahatma Gandhi in Hiroshima will take forward the idea of non-violence," he told reporters.

"It is a great moment for me to know that the Bodhi tree that I gifted to the Japanese PM has been planted here in Hiroshima so that people can understand the importance of peace when they come here. I pay my respect to Mahatma Gandhi," PM Modi added.

On August 6, 1945, the United States conducted the world's first atomic attack on Hiroshima, destroying the city and killing some 1.4 lakh people.

The Mahatma Gandhi bust has been gifted by the Indian government to Hiroshima as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between India and Japan. The 42-inch tall bronze bust has been sculpted by Padma Bhushan awardee Ram Vanji Sutar.

The bust site, adjacent to the Motoyasu River, is close to the iconic A-Bomb Dome that is visited by thousands of people - locals and tourists alike - every day.

"The location has been chosen as a mark of solidarity for peace and non-violence. Mahatma Gandhi dedicated his life to peace and non-violence. The location truly resonates with the principles and life of Gandhiji, which continue to inspire the world and its leaders," a statement from the Prime Minister's Office said.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed ways to enhance India-Japan friendship across different sectors including trade, economy and culture. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

"PM Narendra Modi and PM Fumio Kishida of Japan held warm and productive talks. Discussed ways to synergise efforts of respective G-7 and G-20 Presidencies, and the need to highlight the voice of Global South. Also exchanged views on contemporary regional developments and on deepening cooperation in the Indo-Pacific," he said.

The MEA Spokesperson added, "Leaders discussed ways to further strengthen the bilateral Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Education, skill development, tourism, high technology and digital public infrastructure were covered."

PM Modi is visiting Hiroshima from May 19 to 21 for the annual summit of the G7 advanced economies following which he will head Papua New Guinea and Australia.