Japanese PM Kishida Plays Santoor During India Visit, Delights Audience
In a light-hearted cultural moment during his official visit to India, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida tried his hand at playing the santoor, a traditional Indian stringed instrument. The event took place at a reception hosted by Indian dignitaries, where Kishida was invited to try the instrument. He strummed a few notes, earning applause from the gathered guests.
The santoor, originating from the Kashmir region, is played with a pair of light wooden mallets. It is known for its resonant, melodic sounds. Kishida's brief performance was seen as a gesture of goodwill and cultural appreciation, reflecting the warm ties between Japan and India.
The Indian government has emphasized cultural exchanges as part of strengthening bilateral relations. This incident adds to a series of friendly interactions between the two nations in recent years, including joint military exercises and economic partnerships.
No further details were provided about Kishida's musical background or his reaction to the instrument. The visit continues with scheduled meetings on trade, technology, and regional security.
