Image Courtesy: english.kyodonews.net
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the State Funeral of former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe at the Nippon Budokan, Tokyo. Representatives from over 100 countries, including more than 20 Heads of State / Government participated in the State Funeral.
Prime Minister honoured the memory of former PM Abe, who he considered a dear friend and a great champion of the India-Japan partnership.
Following the State Funeral, Prime Minister had a private meeting with Mrs Akie Abe, spouse of Late PM Abe, at the Akasaka Palace. Prime Minister Modi conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Mrs Abe. He recalled his fond friendship and the significant contribution made by former PM Abe in taking the India-Japan relationship to new heights. Prime Minister also had a brief interaction thereafter with Prime Minister Kishida to reiterate his condolences.
Shinzo Abe (21 September 1954 – 8 July 2022) was a Japanese politician who served as Prime Minister of Japan and President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020. He was the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history.
In 2021, he was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian award.
On 8 July 2022, Abe was assassinated while giving a speech. According to the police, a 41-year-old man was arrested with a homemade gun at the scene. Some news outlets say the assailant was angry his mom went bankrupt after donating to a religious group affiliated with Abe.