But Modi has invited Abe to ceremonially inaugurate the construction this September, senior officials from both countries have confirmed to The Telegraph. Abe is likely to also visit New Delhi, officials said, for formal talks with Modi during his trip. Among Modi's closest friends within the comity of international leaders, Abe is the oldest surviving head of government. The others Modi has enjoyed the strongest personal connect with - former US President Barack Obama, former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, and former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper - are all no longer in office. With Abe, Modi will face no such challenges.

Source: The Telegraph July 12, 2017 21:33 UTC