Skip to content
 
Search

Latest Stories

He was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator: Leaders from South Asia express shock over former Japan PM Shinzo Abe's assassination

India’s PM Narendra Modi announced one-day national mourning shall be observed on July 9.

He was a towering global statesman, an outstanding leader, and a remarkable administrator: Leaders from South Asia express shock over former Japan PM Shinzo Abe's assassination
Krishna bhanu
By Krishna bhanuJul 08, 2022

Prominent South Asian leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday expressed shock and anguish over the assassination of Shinzo Abe, hailing the former Japanese prime minister for his contributions towards bolstering bilateral ties and regional economic development.

Abe, 67, one of his nation's most powerful and influential figures, died after being shot during an election campaign speech in western Japan. Prime Minister Modi 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.

''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,'' Modi said.

He also announced that as a mark of India's deepest respect, one-day national mourning shall be observed on July 9.

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said he was stunned by Abe’s demise and offered his condolences to his family.

“Deeply saddened by the tragic death of former Japan PM Shinzo Abe. Japan has lost a respected politician. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, the LDP, and to the people of Japan,” he said in a tweet.

Former Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa hailed Abe as a true friend of Sri Lanka, particularly when the island nation was going through a churn during the post-war development period.

“I am devastated and deeply saddened to hear of the sudden demise of former PM of Japan Shinzo Abe. He was a true friend of Sri Lanka, particularly during the postwar development period. My deepest condolences to his family and the people of Japan at this extremely difficult time,” the former Sri Lankan premier said in a tweet. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Abe was pivotal in his contributions to the Pakistan-Japan bilateral ties. “I extend my profound condolences over the sad demise of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. He made invaluable contributions to the Pakistan-Japan relationship. Our prayers are with the bereaved family. At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the people of Japan,” Sharif said in a tweet.

''Our thoughts are with the people of Japan as we hear about the demise of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe. People of Bhutan and I offer our deepest condolence and keep the grieving family in our prayers,'' Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering wrote on Twitter.

''We will always cherish PM Abe as a good friend of Bhutan & an inspiring leader,'' he added.

(ANI)

assassination of shinzo abe

Related News

Asian-inspired garden earns five awards at Hampton Court
News

Asian-inspired garden earns five awards at Hampton Court

More For You

uk weather

Amber heat health alerts have been issued across several regions of England

iStock

England faces widespread heat alerts and hosepipe bans amid rising temperatures

Highlights:

  • Amber heat health alerts in place for large parts of England
  • Hosepipe bans announced in Yorkshire, Kent and Sussex
  • Temperatures could reach 33°C over the weekend
  • Health risks rise, especially for elderly and vulnerable groups

Heat warnings in effect as UK braces for another hot weekend

Amber heat health alerts have been issued across several regions of England, with temperatures expected to climb to 33°C in some areas over the weekend. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) activated the warning at 12 pm on Friday, with it set to remain in place until 9 am on Monday.

The alerts cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, south-east, south-west, East of England, and London. Additional yellow alerts were issued for the north-east, north-west, and Yorkshire and the Humber, starting from midday Friday.

Keep ReadingShow less
Essex ladybird invasion

One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear

Dee-anne Markiewicz / SWNS

Swarms of ladybirds invade Essex coastline amid soaring temperatures

Highlights:

  • Ladybird swarms reported across Essex and Suffolk coastal towns
  • Hot weather likely driving the sudden surge in population
  • Sightings include Point Clear, Shoebury, Clacton and Felixstowe
  • Similar outbreaks occurred in 1976 during another hot UK summer

Sudden surge in ladybird numbers across the southeast

Millions of ladybirds have been spotted swarming towns and villages along the Essex coast, with similar sightings stretching into Suffolk. Residents have reported unusually high numbers of the red and black-spotted insects, particularly near coastal areas, with the recent hot weather believed to be a major contributing factor.

One of the largest gatherings was filmed on a beach at Point Clear, a village near St Osyth in Essex, where the insects could be seen piling on top of each other on driftwood and plants.

Keep ReadingShow less
Kapil Sharma

Kapil Sharma’s Canada cafe shot at days after opening

Instagram/ginnichatrath

Kapil Sharma’s Canadian café targeted in shooting, Khalistani terrorist cites mockery of Nihang Sikhs as motive

Highlights:

  • Shots were fired at Kap’s Café in Surrey, Canada, owned by comedian Kapil Sharma, just days after its opening.
  • Khalistani extremist Harjit Singh Laddi, linked to banned group BKI, claimed responsibility.
  • The motive cited was an old comedy segment from The Kapil Sharma Show that allegedly mocked Nihang Sikhs.
  • No injuries were reported; Canadian authorities are investigating the incident.

Comedian Kapil Sharma’s recently launched Kap’s Café in Surrey, British Columbia, was the target of a shooting in the early hours of 10 July. Though no one was harmed, the property sustained significant damage. A known Khalistani extremist, Harjit Singh Laddi, has claimed responsibility for the attack, citing perceived religious disrespect on The Kapil Sharma Show.

 Kap\u2019s Cafe in Surrey  Kap’s Cafe in Surrey was struck by gunfire late at night with staff still insideInstagram/thekapscafe_

Keep ReadingShow less
Police probe hate crime over migrant effigies bonfire in Northern Ireland

Models depicting migrants wearing life jackets in a small boat alongside two banners reading 'Stop the boats' and 'Veterans before refugees' are displayed on top a bonfire in Moygashel, Northern Ireland, on July 9, 2025. (Photo by PETER MURPHY/AFP via Getty Images)

Police probe hate crime over migrant effigies bonfire in Northern Ireland

POLICE in Northern Ireland have launched a hate crime investigation after a bonfire topped with effigies of migrants in a boat was set alight in the village of Moygashel, County Tyrone.

The incident, which took place on Thursday (10) night, has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, church officials, and human rights groups.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navratri festival in Wembley

A similar event held at the same site last year resulted in a planning enforcement notice being issued due to complaints of noise and disturbance.

Getty Images

Navratri festival in Wembley faces objections

A PROPOSED 10-day Hindu festival in Wembley, north London, has drawn objections over concerns about noise and disruption in the area.

Asian Events Media (AEM) has applied to Brent Council to host the Navratri celebration at Alperton Studios from September 22 to October 1, according to The London Standard.

Keep ReadingShow less
© Copyright 2025 Garavi Gujarat Publications Ltd & Asian Media Group USA Inc