Vajpayee''s demise: Tributes pour in from across world

Tribune News Service 

New Delhi, August 16

Condolences poured in from across the world and through diplomatic missions in India remembering former prime minister Vajpayee for his vision and statesmanship. 

In her message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her deep shock at the sad demise of the former top leader whom she called 'one of the most famous sons of India.' Remembering his 'immense contribution in bolstering ties', the US embassy in its condolence message said- During his tenure, Prime Minister Vajpayee advocated for a robust partnership with the United States, referring to us as "natural allies."

In a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Russian Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev wrote: "Mr Vajpayee was deservedly respected in the homeland and abroad not only as an eminent statesman and politician who headed the government of India for many years but also as a talented poet, a man of common knowledge and utmost culture."

Chinese Envoy Luo Zhaouhui recalled Vajpayee's association with three generations of leaders of China. The Pakistan Foreign Office in its message remembered Vajpayee as "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".

Here are some of the messages remembering the man and leader who left behind a distinct legacy.

Luo Zhaohui, Ambassador of China: "Shri Vajpayee met with 3 generations of Chinese leaders. During his trip to China as PM in 2003, he proposed establishing the mechanism of SR on the Boundary Question, and also donated an Indian style Buddhist temple in Luoyang City of China."

Nikolay Kudashev, Ambassador of Russia: "We mourn the death of H.E. Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, a great statesman. His name became an integral part of a whole era in Indian politics. His devoted service to the nation can hardly be overestimated. Mr Vajpayee enjoyed due respect in India and globally.

We knew him also as a poet, a man of knowledge and a true friend of our country, where he is well-known as one of the architects of our long-lasting and time-tested privileged strategic partnership."

Sheikh Hasina, Bangladesh Prime Minister: "We are deeply shocked at the sad demise of former Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of the most famous sons of India. He will be remembered for contributing towards good governance and for highlighting issues affecting the common people of India as well as for regional peace and prosperity. 

His tireless work for the welfare of the people of India will inspire future generations of leaders. An excellent orator and a poet Shri Vajpayee took significant strides towards acceleration of inclusive economic growth in India.

Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee was our great friend and highly respected in Bangladesh. As a token of recognition for his invaluable contribution to our Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh Government conferred on him the Bangladesh Liberation War Honour. Today is certainly a day of great sadness for all of us in Bangladesh. 

On behalf of the Government and the people of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I express our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the Government and the mourning people of India, and to the members of the bereaved family.  

We pray for the eternal peace of his soul."

Kenji Hiramitsu, Ambasador of Japan: "I am deeply saddened by the passing away of former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

Shri Vajpayee was one of the most inspiring world leaders of our times. The upswing in India-Japan relations was only possible by the initiatives started by Prime Minister Vajpayee.

The demise of such a great leader is a great loss not only to India but also to Japan and other part of Asia as well as the entire international community. May his legacy live on, and may his soul rest in eternal peace."

Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France: "Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee is no more. A great Indian leader, poet and politician who has marked the history of this country and launched the Indo-French strategic partnership in 1998, has passed on. My thoughts go out to his family, friends and the people of India #Vajpayee."

Ahmed Mohamed, Ambassador of Maldives: "Saddened by the demise of former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He leaves behind a rich legacy. May his soul rest in peace." 

US Embassy, New Delhi: "The United States grieves with India on the loss of former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee. He will be remembered for his immense contribution in bolstering US-India relations. During his tenure, Prime Minister Vajpayee advocated for a robust partnership with the United States, referring to us as "natural allies". The US Mission in India extends our deepest condolences to the family of former Prime Minister Vajpayee and the citizens of India."

Pakistan Foreign Office: "'We have learnt with sadness the passing away of Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India, who was undergoing treatment in a hospital in New Delhi.

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 government and people of Pakistan extend their heartfelt condolences to his family and to the Government and people of India."