Picture : Twitter / ANI
As soon as the news of the assassination of former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo at a rally in Nara, Western Japan , came in several leaders took to twitter and while expressing shock lauded Abe for strengthening India – Japan relations.
Abe, Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, had stepped down in 2020 citing health reasons. He was the prime minister of Japan twice, from 2006-07 and again from 2012-20. He was succeeded by Yoshihide Suga and later by Fumio Kishida.
Earlier on Friday, Abe, 67, was rushed to hospital after he was shot in the chest from behind by a 41-year-old gunman, while delivering a speech in the western Japanese city of Nara at 11.30 am (local time). He was campaigning for Sunday’s elections for Japan’s upper house of Parliament.
“According to a senior LDP (Liberal Democratic Party) official, former prime minister Abe died at a hospital in Kashihara city, Nara region, where he was receiving medical treatment. He was 67,” NHK said. The hospital authorities at the Turner’s Medical University said that the former prime minister was treated for more than 4.5 hours but doctors were unable to save his life. He was bleeding profusely and blood transfusions were given to him but to no avail.
Reactions :
Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP
Shinzo Abe was a true friend of India, whose visionary view of his country’s role in the region involved the centrality of the Indo-Pacific. With his passing we have lost the strongest & most influential voice for Indo-Japanese relations. May he rest in peace. On Shanti. https://t.co/uOw4JjSHVA
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 8, 2022
Rahul Gandhi, Former Congress president
Deeply saddened by the demise of former PM of Japan, Shinzo Abe.
His role in strengthening the strategic relationship between India & Japan was commendable. He leaves behind a lasting legacy in the Indo-Pacific.
My condolences to his family & to the people of Japan.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) July 8, 2022
Rajnath Singh , Defence Minister
Deeply saddened by the assassination of former Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe. India today has lost a close friend who assiduously worked towards strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Japan, during his tenure as Prime Minister. 1/2
— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) July 8, 2022
JP Nadda, BJP president
Deeply saddened by the death of Shinzo Abe, the former Japanese PM. My sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace. He will always be remembered as a visionary who served Japan relentlessly and worked towards strengthening India-Japan relations.
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) July 8, 2022
Hardeep Singh Puri , Urban Development Minister
Deeply saddened.
With the sudden demise of Mr Shinzo Abe, Japan has lost a popular leader, India a steady friend & the world a wise statesman.
Contributed to 🇮🇳 🇯🇵 partnership built on strategic, economic & political deliverables.
Condolences to his family & people of Japan. pic.twitter.com/ID1vEW0P3I— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) July 8, 2022
