PM Modi paid his last respects to former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recalled today that, "Shinzo Abe was a great leader, a phenomenal individual and someone who believed in India-Japan friendship", as he offered tribute to the former Japanese premier at his state funeral in Tokyo.

Former PM of Japan, Shinzo Abe, 67, was shot dead while making a campaign speech on July 8 in the southern Japanese city of Nara.

Representatives from over 100 countries, including more than 20 heads of state and governments, attended Mr.Abe's funeral.

PM Modi reached Tokyo early in the morning to pay floral tribute to Mr Abe who reshaped Japan's foreign policy, including setting out a bold vision for a quantum leap in ties with India.

"When I was in Tokyo earlier this year, little did I imagine I would be back for the solemn programme of former PM Abe's state funeral. He was a great leader, a phenomenal individual and someone who believed in India-Japan friendship. He shall live on in the hearts of millions!," PM Modi tweeted, sharing a photograph of him paying tribute to Mr Abe.