The national flag will be kept at half-mast on all buildings in India on Saturday, with the government declaring a day of mourning in honour of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, news agency PTI reported.


According to NHK public television, Abe, one of his country's most prominent and important people, was shot at a campaign address in western Japan on Friday.


"The national flag will be flown at half-mast on the day of mourning throughout India on all buildings where the national flag is flown regularly and there will be no official entertainment on the day," the home ministry said in a statement.


After learning of Abe's death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared a national day of mourning.






Taking to Twitter, PM Modi said, "I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, ShinzoAbe. 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."






"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.




Primer Minister Modi mentioned that during his recent visit to Japan in May, he had the opportunity to meet the Japanese leader again and discussed 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," PM Modi wrote.

 

(With PTI Inputs)