Shinzo Abe’s death news: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid a heartfelt tribute to a “dear friend”, former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. Abe was shot dead during an operation in western Japan on Friday. Abe was a major player in cementing ties between the two countries. He was taken to the hospital for emergency treatment but wasn’t breathing and his heart stopped, He was declared brought dead in the afternoon. Police arrested the suspected gunman on the scene of the attack, which shocked people in a country known as one of the safest countries in the world. He was also the initiator of the Quadrilateral Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad, given the potential in the great democracies of the Indo-Pacific (from the US to Japan and over Australia and India) in countering China’s assertiveness in the region.
The prime minister also declared a day of national mourning on 9 July as a mark of deep respect for Abe. Abe served as Prime Minister of Japan from 2006 to 2007 and again 2012 to 2020, He was Japan’s longest-serving leader before stepping down for health reasons in 2020.
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PM Modi remembers Shinzo Abe in a heartfelt letter
In his blog, dedicating an emotional post to the late Japanese Prime Minister, he wrote, “Shinzo Abe – an outstanding leader of Japan, a great global statesman and a great champion of India-Japan friendship – is no longer among us. Japan and the world I have lost a great visionary. And, I have lost a dear friend.”
Recalling his first meeting with Sain, he wrote, “I met him for the first time in 2007 during my visit to Japan as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Right from that first meeting.Our friendship went beyond the office trap and the binding of official protocol. Our visit to Toji Temple in Kyoto, our train journey on Shinkansen, our visit to Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmedabad, Ganga Aarti in Kashi and elaborate tea ceremony in Tokyo, our list of memorable conversations is really long.
He added, “His lawyer inspired me in my financial options for Gujarat. And, His support was instrumental in building Gujarat’s vibrant partnership with Japan.,
“Later, it was my privilege to work with him to drive unprecedented transformation in the strategic partnership between India and Japan. From a largely narrow, bilateral economic relationship, Abe San helped make it wider, wider, which not only covered every area of national endeavour, but became vital to the security of both our countries and the region. For him, it was one of the most fruitful relations between the peoples of our two countries and the world. He was determined to pursue a civil nuclear deal with India – one of the toughest for his country – and decisive in offering India the most generous terms for high-speed rail. As one of the most important milestones in the journey of independent India, he ensured that Japan is side by side as New India accelerates its development.”
Modi remembered ‘Abenomics’
“His contribution to India-Japan relations was awarded the prestigious Padma Vibhushan in 2021. Abe San had a keen insight into the complex and many changes taking place in the world, with a vision to be ahead of his time. Politics, Society, Economy and to see its impact on international relations, and the wisdom to know the alternatives, the ability to make clear and bold decisions even in the face of conventions and the rare ability to take his people and the world with them.His far-reaching policies – Abenomics – reinvented the Japanese economy and re-ignited the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship of its people.”
“Quad, the ASEAN-led Forum, the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative, the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure all benefited from their contributions. Quietly and without fanfare, and overcoming hesitation at home and skepticism abroad For, he turned to Japan’s strategic partnership including defence, connectivity, infrastructure and stability in the Indo-Pacific. For this, the region is more optimistic about its fate and the world is more confident about its future. “
During my visit to Japan in May this year, I had the opportunity to meet Abe San, who recently took over as the President of the Japan-India Association, He was in his usual self-energetic, captivating, charismatic and very funny. He had innovative ideas on how to further strengthen India-Japan friendship. The day I said goodbye to him, I had no idea that this would be our last meeting?
Expressing his condolences to Abe’s family, PM Modi wrote, “I will forever be indebted to his warmth and wisdom, grace and generosity, friendship and guidance, and I will miss him dearly. We in India as one of our own.” I mourn his passing, as he embraced us with an open heart. He died doing what he loved most – inspiring his people. His life may have been tragically cut short, but his legacy Will be forever. I extend my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the people of India and on my behalf to the people of Japan, especially Mrs. Aki Abe and her family. Om Shanti.”
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