Day of unbearable pain & irreparable loss for me: PM Modi pays tribute to Shinzo Abe

NEW DELHI: “It’s a day of unbearable pain and irreparable loss for me,” said PM Narendra Modi as he paid his condolences after the assassination of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe and declared a one-day mourning on July 9. Describing Abe as a reliable friend of India, the PM acknowledged his role in expediting India’s growth story through Japan’s assistance.
Announcing a day of national mourning as a mark of deepest respect for Abe, Modi said the late Japanese leader 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,” tweeted Modi.

“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,” he added.
Modi said his association with Abe went back many years and that he got to know him during his tenure as Gujarat CM. “Our friendship continued after I became PM. His sharp insights on economy and global affairs always made a deep impression on me,” said Modi.
“He was a great statesman, and his infectious affability endeared him the world over. That he fell prey to an assassin's bullet is a tragedy for the whole humanity, ” President Ram Nath Kovind said on Twitter.
Union home minister Amit Shah described Abe as India’s “valued friend”. “Pained to learn about the assassination of the former PM of Japan and India’s valued friend, Mr Shinzo Abe. His efforts in strengthening the India-Japan relationship will always be held fondly in our memories. My deepest condolences to his family, followers & the people of Japan,” Shah tweeted.