Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed grief over the ill health of his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe and wished for his speedy recovery.

"Pained to hear about your ill health, my dear friend @AbeShinzo. In recent years, with your wise leadership and personal commitment, the India-Japan partnership has become deeper and stronger than ever before. I wish and pray for your speedy recovery," the Prime Minister tweeted.

Earlier on Friday, Abe resigned from his post citing his poor health as a major issue. After his resignation, the 65-year-old Japanese Prime Minister said in a press conference, "I cannot be the Prime Minister if I cannot make the best decisions for the people. I have decided to step down from my post."

It has been learnt that Abe has been battling with ulcerative colitis for years.

Abe's two recent hospital visits within a week have fanned questions on whether he could stay in the job until the end of his term as the ruling party leader in September 2021.