Condoling the sudden demise of his “dear friend” Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the former Japanese Premier dedicated his life to making the world a better place and as a mark of India’s deepest respect, one-day national mourning shall be observed on July 9.
In emotional posts on Twitter, Modi said that during his recent visit to Japan, he had the opportunity to meet Abe again and discuss many issues, but “little did I know that this would be our last meeting”.
Abe, one of his nation’s most powerful and influential figures, died after being shot during a campaign speech on Friday in western Japan, according to NHK public television.
Prime Minister Modi said he was shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of his “dearest friends”.
“He (Abe) 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,” Modi said.
“My association with Abe goes back many years. I 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,” the Prime Minister said.
“Abe made an immense contribution to elevating India-Japan relations to the level of a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Today, the whole of India mourns with Japan and we stand in solidarity with our Japanese brothers and sisters in this difficult moment,” he said.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who hastily returned to Tokyo from campaign events around the country, called the shooting “dastardly and barbaric”.
Leaders from Turkey to Singapore condemned the attack, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called the shooting “despicable”.
“His global leadership through unchartered times will be remembered by many. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and the Japanese people. The UK stands with you at this dark and sad time,” Boris tweeted.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern earlier expressed her shock about the shooting. She said Abe was one of the first leaders she met after taking office and described him as deeply committed to his role, generous and kind. “I recall him asking after the recent loss of our pet when I met him, a small gesture but one that speaks to the kind of person he is,” Ardern said. “Events like this shake us all to the core.”
French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted that he was “deeply shocked by the odious attack” on Abe. He paid tribute to Abe as “a great Prime Minister” and said, “France stands at the side of the Japanese people.”
Many gave their condolences and expressed solidarity with Japan. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez sent his best wishes to Abe’s family. “Spain stands together with the people of Japan in these difficult times,” he tweeted.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Abe was one of Australia’s closest friends and a “giant on the world stage”, adding that “his legacy was one of global impact and a profound and positive one for Australia. He will be greatly missed.”
In China, however, Abe’s shooting triggered unfavourable comments from tens of thousands of nationalist citizens on social media. Some quipped, “Hope he’s not OK,” while dozens half-jokingly called the shooter “a hero” or “anti-Japan hero”. Others said Abe’s injuries were a comfort to the souls of people who had died in Japan’s invasion of China during World War II.
While not necessarily the view of most Chinese, their posts reflect strong public sentiment — encouraged by government propaganda — against Right-wing Japanese politicians who question or deny that the military committed atrocities in China. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said China expressed sympathies with Abe’s family.
