In a tragic incident on Friday, July 8, 2022, one of the most powerful politicians and the former Prime Minister of Japan died after being shot this morning in Nara region during an election campaign.
Abe, 67, was a senior leader of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party. He was the longest-serving Prime Minister in Japanese history.
As per Japanese media, a 41-year old man, Tetsuya Yamagami, who is also a resident of the Nara City has shot Abe in broad daylight which results in his death a few hours after being shot.
Abe took his last breath at a hospital in Kashihara city in Nara where he was receiving medical treatment. As per hospital authorities, his condition was critical when he was brought to the hospital and was treated for more than 4.5 hours there. Unfortunately, he couldn’t survive as he was bleeding profusely.
Shinzo Abe: A Great and True Friend of India
The news of the attack on Abe came as a shock for Japan as well as for the rest of the world, especially for India that shares a strong relationship with Japan. He was a strong advocate of the concept of Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) where India had a prominent position.
Abe played an important role in deepening India-Japan relationship, for his continued effort in strengthening the ties between the two countries whether it is economically, militarily, in January 2021, the Indian Government conferred him with the Padma Bhushan, the second highest civilian award of the country.
PM Modi Mourns the Death of His Friend Shinzo Abe
Keeping the geo-strategic relation aside, Mr. Abe was one of the popular and most admired foreign leaders by Indians. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also considered him a true friend of him as well as our entire country.
On his sad demise, PM Modi posted several tweets along with a picture with Mr. Abe. He expressed his grief at the passing away of his friend in his tweets. Also, as a mark of deep respect for Mr. Abe, the PM declared a one-day mourning on Saturday, July 9, 2022.
Sharing a picture from my most recent meeting with my dear friend, Shinzo Abe in Tokyo. Always passionate about strengthening India-Japan ties, he had just taken over as the Chairman of the Japan-India Association. pic.twitter.com/Mw2nR1bIGz
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022
As a mark of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, a one day national mourning shall be observed on 9 July 2022.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022
Mr. 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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022
During my recent visit to Japan, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. 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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 8, 2022