"India Lost A True Friend": Lok Sabha Speaker Pays Tribute To Japan Ex PM Shinzo Abe

"India has lost a true friend. Shinzo Abe will always be remembered for his work and excellency. The House pays heartfelt condolences on Abe's demise," Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said.

As the Monsoon session of the Parliament commenced on Monday, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla paid tribute to former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated recently.

"It is with heartfelt sadness that I wish to inform former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe passed away recently. The House pays heartfelt condolences on the same. He passed away on July 8, 2022. He (Abe) was the longest serving Prime Minister of Japan," Mr Birla said.

"Abe supported various interests that were beneficial for India. He considered Asia's two prominent democracies ie, India and Japan, as 'friends'. Due to this reason, the relationship between India and Japan became stronger under his regime," the Lok Sabha Speaker said.

He added, "On one hand, Japan has lost a visionary leader, on the other hand, India has lost a true friend. Abe will always be remembered for his work and excellency. The House pays heartfelt condolences on Abe's demise and hopes that God provides strength to the families and kins of the deceased."