A leader who believed in and worked with India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday expressed deep anguish over former Japanese premier Shinzo Abe's shocking demise and recalled his association with him since the days he was Gujarat chief minister.

"I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe," Modi tweeted following declaration of Abe's death. "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. Abe made an immense contribution to elevating 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."

Abe died in a hospital after he was shot at during a political campaign event in the city of Nara in Japan on Friday.

India has declared a day of national mourning on Saturday as a mark of honour. A high level participation from the country is expected at funeral of Abe.

"My association with Abe goes back many years," Modi tweeted. "I had got to know him during my tenure as Gujarat CM and our friendship continued after I became PM. "

Abe was a big votary of ties with India and coined term 'Indo-Pacific', which enabled to expand strategic partnership in the region. He has been a pillar of strength for India's Look East and Act East policy.

Abe also shared a good chemistry with former PM Manmohan Singh and became the first Japanese PM to attend India's Republic Day parade as the chief guest in 2014.

"I am deeply saddened and shocked to learn about the tragic assassination of His Excellency Shinzo Abe. He was a good friend of mine. During my tenure as PM, we worked to raise our countries' ties to the level of a global and strategic partnership.