People around the Asia Pacific region have been shaken by the news that former Japanese prime minister Abe Shinzo was shot and killed.

India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Abe one of his dearest friends. He offered "heartfelt condolences" to his family, and to the Japanese people.

Modi posted several messages on Twitter, sharing a recent photo with Abe. He said the former prime minister was always passionate about strengthening India-Japan ties.

Modi said the whole of India mourns with Japan, and "stands in solidarity with our Japanese brothers and sisters in this difficult moment."

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a statement that under Abe's leadership, "Japan emerged as one of Australia's closest and most like-minded partners in Asia." He called it "a legacy that endures today"

Albanese added that the Quad partnership and the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement are in many ways the result of Abe's diplomatic leadership.

A spokesperson for Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha's released a message. It said Abe took on an important role in promoting relations and friendship over the past several years between Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.