World leaders condole Vajpayee's death

Leaders from across the world including US and Russia have expressed grief over the death of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and recalled his contributions in strengthening bilateral relations and maintaining regional peace.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a message of condolences to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the demise of Vajpayee. Mr Putin referred to the former Prime Minister as 'outstanding statesman'.

"Atal Bihari Vajpayee rightly commanded great respect around the world. He will be remembered as a politician who made a major personal contribution to the friendly relations and privileged strategic partnership between our countries.The President of Russia conveyed words of sincere sympathy and support to the family of the deceased, the Government and the people of India," the message read.

US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said Mr Vajpayee recognised early on that the US-India partnership would contribute to the world's economic prosperity and security and the two democracies continue to benefit from his vision.

"On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of India on the recent passing of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee," Pompeo said in a statement yesterday.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday condoled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's death describing him as a "good friend of Japan".

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the demise of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee," Abe said in a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the copy of which was shared by External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar over Twitter.

Recalling Vajpayee's visit to Japan in 2001, Abe said that the late Indian leader "made significant contributions to friendship between our two countries as a good friend of Japan".

Singapore on Friday condoled former Indian Prime Minister's death describing him as a selfless and visionary leader.

"Deepest condolences to the government and people of India on the passing away of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee," Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan, a person of Indian origin, wrote in the condolence book at the Indian High Commission here.

"Mr Vajpayee was a selfless and visionary leader who made great contributions to India, transforming her economy and elevating her standing in the region and the world," Balakrishnan said.

UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday sent a message of condolence to his Indian counterpart Ram Nath Kovind.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also sent similar messages to the Indian President and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Gulf nation is home to around 2.6 million expatriate Indians.

China expressed its condolences on the death of Vajpayee on Friday. "Vajpayee was an outstanding Indian statesman and made outstanding contribution to the Sino-Indian ties," the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang also sent a condolence message to the Indian leaders.

Condoling the death of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Israel on Friday said that it will always remember him as a genuine friend.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the government and people of India at the loss of India's former Prime Minister Vajpayee," the Israel Foreign Ministry said on Twitter.

"He will always be remembered as a genuine friend of Israel," it stated.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli took to Twitter to express his grief and said: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace!"

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe have condoled the death of Vajpayee and said he played a vital role in ensuring stability of the island nation.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed "deep shock" at Vajpayee's death and said he was "our great friend and highly respected" in the country.

Pakistan government and top leaders including Prime Minister-in-waiting Imran Khan and PML-N chief Shahbaz Sharif have paid respects to Mr Vajpayee and said he contributed to bringing "a change" in bilateral ties and remained a key supporter of regional cooperation for development.

"Mr Vajpayee was a renowned statesman who contributed to bringing a change in India-Pakistan relations and remained a key supporter of SAARC and regional cooperation for development," the Foreign Office said in a statement.

Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has sent a message of sympathy and condolences to President Ram Nath Kovind following the demise of Vajpayee.

Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth conveyed his condolences in a letter addressed to PM Modi.

"Shri Vajpayee shaped the destiny of India through his bold leadership and his deep rooted empathy for the common man...," the message reads.

The Government of Mauritius has decided that both Indian and Mauritian flag will fly half-mast on government buildings today as a mark of respect following the demise of Vajpayee.

Bhutan's former prime minister Tshering Tobgay said in a tweet: "Heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of India on the passing of #AtalBihariVajpayee. The world will celebrate him as an exemplary statesman."

Vajpayee, 93, passed away on Thursday in New Delhi after a prolonged illness. He was cremated at Smriti Sthal here on Friday.