PM Modi mourns death of Japan's Shinzo Abe; one-day national mourning to be observed on 9 July

Mumbai: World leaders on Friday mourned the shocking and untimely death of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe who was shot at during a campaign event in the city of Nara, in western Japan. As a sign of respect, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, announced that one-day national mourning will be observed on 9 July as a mark of India's deepest respect for the former Japanese prime minister.

As a mark of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, a one day national mourning shall be observed on 9 July 2022.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022

Mourning the demise, Modi took to Twitter and wrote: "I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe. He was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator. He dedicated his life to make Japan and the world a better place."

I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe. He was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator. He dedicated his life to make Japan and the world a better place.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022

"My association with Mr Abe goes back many years. I had got to know him during my tenure as Gujarat CM and our friendship continued after I became PM. His sharp insights on economy and global affairs always made a deep impression on me," he added.

My association with Mr. Abe goes back many years. I had got to know him during my tenure as Gujarat CM and our friendship continued after I became PM. His sharp insights on economy and global affairs always made a deep impression on me.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022

Modi mentioned that during his recent visit to Japan in May, "I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Abe again and discuss many issues. He was witty and insightful as always. Little did I know that this would be our last meeting. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the Japanese people."

During my recent visit to Japan, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Abe again and discuss many issues. He was witty and insightful as always. Little did I know that this would be our last meeting. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the Japanese people.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022

He also credited Abe for his "immense contribution" towards elevating India-Japan relations to the level of a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. "Today, whole India mourns with Japan and we stand in solidarity with our Japanese brothers and sisters in this difficult moment," PM Modi wrote.

Mr. Abe made an immense contribution to elevating India-Japan relations to the level of a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Today, whole India mourns with Japan and we stand in solidarity with our Japanese brothers and sisters in this difficult moment.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, too, took to Twitter to express his condolences on Abe's demise.

Deeply saddened by the demise of former PM of Japan, Shinzo Abe.

His role in strengthening the strategic relationship between India & Japan was commendable. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in the Indo-Pacific.

My condolences to his family & to the people of Japan.

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 8, 2022

Congress Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor remembered the former Japanese Prime Minister as a 'True Friend of India'. He tweeted:

Shinzo Abe was a true friend of India, whose visionary view of his country’s role in the region involved the centrality of the Indo-Pacific. With his passing we have lost the strongest & most influential voice for Indo-Japanese relations. May he rest in peace. On Shanti. https://t.co/uOw4JjSHVA

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 8, 2022

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president JP Nadda tweeted that he was saddened by the death of Abe and that he will be remembered as a visionary who served Japan relentlessly.

Deeply saddened by the death of Shinzo Abe, the former Japanese PM. My sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace. He will always be remembered as a visionary who served Japan relentlessly and worked towards strengthening India-Japan relations.

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) July 8, 2022

With input from agencies

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