Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi on Friday expressed condolences over the demise of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Sonia Gandhi said Abe was a great friend and well-wisher of India. "For many years, Abe was a great friend & well-wisher of India. He did much to expand & deepen the bilateral relationship between our two countries," she said. "I recall my meeting with him very fondly and vividly. It is a huge misfortune that has befallen Japan and indeed, the entire international community. He will be sorely missed," she added.
Rahul Gandhi lauded his role in strengthening the strategic relationship between India and Japan."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 and to the people of Japan," he tweeted.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, meanwhile, has announced one-day national mourning on July 9. He said he was shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of his "dearest friends".
"He (Abe) 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 said.
"My association with Mr. Abe goes back many years. I 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," the Prime Minister said.
Modi said that during my recent visit to Japan, he had the opportunity to meet 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," Modi said.
"Mr Abe made an immense contribution to elevating India-Japan relations to the level of a Special Strategic and Global Partnership. Today, the whole of India mourns with Japan and we stand in solidarity with our Japanese brothers and sisters in this difficult moment," he said.
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