India to observe national mourning for Abe: PM Modi

Story by  ATV | Posted by  Nakul Shivani • 1 Years ago
File picture of PM Modi with Shinzo Abe
File picture of PM Modi with Shinzo Abe

 

New Delhi

India has announced one day of state mourning on July 9 as a mark of respect for former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe who was shot on Friday while delivering a campaign speech in Nara city in western Japan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock over the tragic demise of Abe and in a tweet said: "As a mark of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister #ShinzoAbe, a one-day national mourning shall be observed on July 9, 2022,"

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

The Ministry of External Affairs, said, " The loss of a great friend of India has been felt across our nation.Today, the whole of India mourns with Japan and we stand in solidarity with our Japanese brothers and sisters in ths difficult moment. The government and people of India are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, and convey their sincere condolences to his family and friends and the people of Japan. Mr Abe's immense contributions elevated the India-Japan Strategic and Global Partnership. A large number of milestone projects between India and Japan were initiated during his tenure as the Prime Minister of Japan.The awarding of India's second highest civilian award, Padma Bhushan to Mr Abe is a testament to the respect and warmth that he enjoyed in India.''

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also took to twitter to express his grief at Abe's death. He wrote, "Deeply saddened by the sudden demise of former Japan PM Shinzo Abe. His role in strengthening the strategic relations between India and Japan was commendable. He leaves a lasting legacy in the Indo-Pacific."

Among other opposition leaders who condoled Abe's death were Sonia Gandhi and NCP supremo Sharad Pawar. 

Sonia Gandhi tweeted, "Abe was a great friend and well-wisher of India. He did much to deepen and expand bilateral relations between the two countries."

Sharad Pawar said, "The world has lost a great leader and a noble statesman who worked for peace and development of Japan."

Abe had deep ties with India. He visited India several times. He was also the first Japanese prime minister to be the chief guest in India's Republic Day parade in 2014.

After the attack on him, Abe was rushed to hospital and initial media reports citing authorities said that it appeared that the former Japanese PM was shot in the chest. They described his condition as in "cardiopulmonary arrest" and said he showed no vital signs.

He was later declared dead.

Japanese Police arrested a suspect for shooting Abe identified as Tetsuya Yamagami, a 41-year-old resident of Nara City.

ALSO READ: Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe declared dead

A gun that appeared to be handmade was retrieved from the site.