Indian leaders pay homage to Fidel Castro

New Delhi, November 26

Indian leaders on Saturday condoled the death of Cuba's revolutionary leader and former President Fidel Castro, who died on Saturday at the age of 90. They described Castro as one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century and a "good friend" of India.

Prime Minister said: "I extend my deepest condolences to the government & people of Cuba on the sad demise of Fidel Castro. May his soul rest in peace," he tweeted.

"Fidel Castro was one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century. India mourns the loss of a great friend," the Prime Minister said.

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He said India extends support to the Cuban government and its people in this tragic hour.

President Pranb Mukherjee said: "Heartfelt condolences on sad demise of Cuba's revolutionary leader, former President and friend of India, Fidel Castro.

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said Castro led the oppressed and the striving from the front and stood up to every attempt at stifling the voice of freedom.

"His contribution to the Non Aligned Movement and his unflinching support for India's cause on various fora will always remain deeply etched in the minds and hearts of the Indian people," she said in a statement.

DMK president M Karunanidhi called him a 'lion cub' who grew to lead a rebellion in the South American country. "A lion cub who grew to become a respected revolutionary leader in a small country, Fidel Castro is one of the greatest leaders I can never forget," he said in a statement here.

He also recalled a poem 'presented' by him during an event to commemorate the Cuban revolution here a few years ago and hailed Castro's leadership.

Left parties described Castro as a source of "inspiration".

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury said he steered Cuba from a very backward country to what it is today.

"End of an era. But revolutionaries like Fidel Castro live forever," he said in a tweet.

"He was great friend of Indian Communist movement and India. He played remarkable role in the non-aligned movement giving it a new orientation," the party said.

General Secretary of the CPI (ML) Liberation Dipankar Bhattcharya, said ,"#FidelCastro, the communist great who batted through the post-Soviet era, is no more. #RedSalute Comrade, your mission will be fulfilled."

—PTI