New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he was “shocked and saddened beyond words” over the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who he described as “one of my dearest friends… a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader and a remarkable administrator”.
“He dedicated his life to make Japan and the world a better place,” Modi said in a string of tweets after Abe was shot and killed while addressing a campaign rally in the Japanese town of Nara.
Modi said he first came to know Abe when he was the Gujarat Chief Minister. “Our friendship continued after I became the Prime Minister. His sharp insights on economy and global affairs always made a deep impression on me.
“During my recent visit to Japan, I had the opportunity to meet 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.
“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.
“As a mark of our deepest respect, a one-day national mourning shall be observed on July 9.”
