Modi May Attend Shinzo Abe's State Funeral in Tokyo

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend the state funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

According to Japanese media reports, Modi is likely to fly down to Tokyo for Abe's state funeral slated to take place at Nippon Budokan on September 27, reports AP.

The former Japanese PM was assassinated by a former Navy personnel while giving a campaign speech in the city of Nara on July 8. He was pronounced dead hours later at a hospital where he was airlifted to.

The same day, India declared a one-day national mourning -- which was observed a day later, as Prime Minister Modi took to social media to express his "shock" at the assassination of "one of my dearest friends".

"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," Modi wrote.

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. As a mark of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, a one day national mourning shall be observed on 9 July 2022," he wrote.

Recalling his association with Abe, Modi wrote that he had 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."

"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," the Indian PM wrote.