Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend the state funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. According to Japanese media reports, Modi is likely to fly down to Tokyo for Abe's state funeral slated to take place at Nippon Budokan on September 27. The former Japanese PM was assassinated by a former Navy personnel while giving a campaign speech in the  city of Nara on July 8. He was pronounced dead hours later at a hospital where he was airlifted to. The same day, India declared a one-day national mourning -- which was observed a day later, as Prime Minister Modi took to social media to express his "shock" at the assassination of "one of my dearest friends". "I am shocked and saddened beyond words at the tragic demise of one of my dearest friends, Shinzo Abe. 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," Modi wrote. Read: Modi, Maldivian Prez launch Gr Male connectivity projects, seal 6 deals PM Modi has also lauded 67-year-old Abe for his "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. As a mark of our deepest respect for former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, a one day national mourning shall be observed on 9 July 2022," he wrote. Recalling his association with Abe, Modi wrote that he 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." "During my recent visit to Japan, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. 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," the Indian PM wrote.

The BNP on Wednesday paid tribute to former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who was shot dead last week while campaigning for a parliamentary election. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, a BNP standing committee member, visited the Japanese Embassy in Dhaka in the afternoon and signed a condolence book. Abe was a close friend of Bangladesh, and he made significant contributions to the strengthening of Bangladesh-Japan ties, Khosru told the media. He also recalled that Abe sincerely worked with BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia when she was in power to develop Bangladesh and cement the bilateral ties. Japan had played an outstanding role in carrying out various development activities in Bangladesh during BNP's rule, Khosru noted. Even, he said, the East Asian country was ready to finance the construction of the Padma Bridge during the BNP government, but later it was cancelled. "We signed the condolence book for him today. We hope that the Japan-Bangladesh relationship will remain intact," the BNP leader said. Read:BNP denounces Abe's dastardly assassination Abe was a very competent person as an international leader, and he was active in politics for a long time with the love of the people of Japan, Khosru added. "We're deeply saddened, and the people of Bangladesh are also shocked by his death." On July 9, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed his deep shock over Abe's death. The 67-year-old, the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history, died after being shot while delivering a campaign speech in Nara, near Kyoto on July 8. He immediately collapsed and was seen bleeding before being taken to hospital. The attack on Abe and his subsequent death sent shock waves throughout the world. To show deep respect to the former Japanese prime minister, Bangladesh observed a day of mourning on July 9 and flags flew at half-staff.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he has visited a shrine viewed by China and both Koreas as a symbol of wartime aggression, reports AP.