Harper's Mumbai Tribute

(Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press)

It certainly makes a statement.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper's three-day tour of India started in Mumbai, on the eve of the anniversary of last year's terrorist attacks.

Harper is staying at the Trident Hotel and media traveling with him are staying at the Taj. Both were among the many targets where more than 170 people were killed.

Harper also visited Chabad House, a Jewish hostel and sanctuary where nine people were also slain.

The prime minister walked through the building, which still has not been restored. Sheets of plastic cover several sections of wall that were blown completely open. Many floors are riddled with bullet holes show evidence of larger blasts.

Rabbi Yosef Kantor says it is still too painful to decide what to do with the property.

Harper lit a candle in the area where guests of Chabad House used to pray, in front of the Holy Ark which used to contain the Torah scrolls before they were damaged by bullets which Kantor says rendered them invalid.