Shinzo Abe Death | 'Shocked & Saddened Beyond Words': PM Modi Mourns Demise Of His 'Friend'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe's death saying that he was "shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise."

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday mourned the shocking death of former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe who was shot at during a campaign event in the city of Nara in western Japan. Japanese PM Fumio Kishida called it a "barbaric and malicious" attack and said that such an incident cannot be tolerated. In a press briefing, Kishida had informed that the injured ex-PM was in a 'very grave condition'. "(It) is a despicable act of barbarity that occurred when an election, which is the basis of democracy, is being held and is totally unacceptable," The Japan Times quoted the incumbent Prime Minister as saying.

After Abe's death was confirmed, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express his grief: "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.

He also credited Abe for having 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," PM Modi tweeted.

Notably, Abe had visited India several times as prime minister. In 2014, he was the chief guest at the 65th Republic Day parade, becoming the first premier of Japan to grace the occasion.

Primer Minister Modi announced that India will observe one-day national mourning on July 9 as a mark of the nation's deepest respect for the former Japanese prime minister.

PM Modi also shared a photo of his most recent meeting with the Liberal Democratic Party leader in Tokyo.

Shinzo Abe was conferred with India's third-highest civilian honour -- Padma Vibhushan -- for his exceptional and distinguished service in public affairs.

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi extended condolences to the people of Japan as he tweeted: "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."

Shinzo Abe was transported to the hospital at 12:20 pm. "He was in a state of cardiac arrest upon arrival. Resuscitation was administered. However, unfortunately, he died at 5:03 pm," said Professor Hidetada Fukushima at Nara Medical University hospital, as quoted by AFP.

As per The Japan Times, Shinzo Abe was attacked by a man from behind while he was making a stump speech on a street in Nara on Friday. The Police seized the man who attacked Abe at around 11.30 am. The suspect is said to be a 41-year-old man named Yamagami Tetsuya, who is a former Maritime Self-Defense Force member, The Japan Times reported.

Abe, Japan's longest-serving prime minister, stepped down in 2020 citing health reasons. He was prime minister of Japan twice, from 2006-07 and again from 2012-20. He was succeeded by Yoshihide Suga and later by Fumio Kishida.