PM Modi to leave for Japan today to attend Shinzo Abe’s funeral

New Delhi, Sep 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will leave for Japan today to attend the funeral of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. The funeral will be held on Tuesday. It's expected that around a hundred representatives from around the world will attend the funeral.

Japan's longest-serving prime minister Shinzo Abe passed away on July 8 morning after being shot during an election campaign in Nara. He was airlifted to a hospital for emergency treatment but was not breathing and his heart had stopped. He was pronounced dead later at the hospital.

PM Modi had expressed condolences and said he was shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of his dearest friends, Shinzo Abe.

In a tweet, the PM had written, "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."

After the death of Shinzo Abe, India had observed one-day national mourning on July 9 as a mark of respect.

The former PM was considered India's close ally and a true friend. He visited India four times during his tenure as PM.

Japan is a close ally of India in Asia. Both the countries are parts of bilateral and multilateral forums including Quad.

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