Shinzo Abe was shot at while he was at a campaign event in the Nara region, the local media said.
New Delhi: Moments after the death of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday, India announced a one-day national mourning on July 9. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Abe as a global statesman who made an immense contribution in elevating the India-Japan bilateral relations.
Modi tweeted, “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.”
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.”
Also Read: Former Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dies after being shot
Abe was shot at while he was at a campaign event in the Nara region, the local media said. While he was rushed to a hospital, reports said he was declared dead after five and half hours. Chief cabinet secretary Hirokazu Matsuno had told reporters in the morning, “Former Prime Minister Abe was shot at around 11:30 am in Nara. One man, believed to be the shooter, has been taken into custody. The condition of former prime minister Abe is currently unknown.”
Several top leaders of India tweeted their condolences and paid respect to the assassinated leader of Japan.
“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,” said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Here are some more tweets from Indian leaders:
