Hiroshima: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a three-nation visit, unveiled the bust of Mahatma Gandhi in the Japanese city of Hiroshima on Saturday.

"Dignitaries present during the unveiling ceremony included H.E Mr. Nakatani Gen, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister and Member of Parliament; Mr. Kazumi Matsui, Mayor of Hiroshima City; Mr. Tatsunori Motani, Speaker of the Hiroshima City Assembly; Members of Parliament from Hiroshima and senior government officials; members of the Indian community; and followers of Mahatma Gandhi in Japan," read a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday.

"The Mahatma Gandhi bust has been gifted by the Government of India to the city of Hiroshima as a symbol of friendship and goodwill between India and Japan, on the occasion of the visit of the Prime Minister for the G-7 summit from 19-21 May 2023," read the statement.

The 42 inches tall bronze bust has been sculpted by Padma Bhushan awardee Shri Ram Vanji Sutar.

The bust site, adjacent to the Motoyasu River, is close to 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.