KATHMANDU: Indian President Pranab Mukherjee said he felt deep sorrow over demise of Nepal's former Prime Minsiter Sushil Koirala.

The Indian President's Secretariat quoted Mukherjee as saying in a statement, “It is with deep sorrow that I received the news of the sad demise of Shri Sushil Koirala, former Prime Minister of Nepal."

"Throughout his long public life, Shri Sushil Koirala worked to strengthen the relations between India and Nepal," the Indian Head of the State said, "With his passing, Nepal has lost a visionary leader who served its people with dedication and commitment. In his death, India has lost a true and valuable friend."

"I convey heartfelt condolence on my personal behalf and on behalf of the people of India to the family of Shri Koirala as well as the people of Nepal.”

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Meanwhile, Mukherjee also sent a message to his Nepali counterpart President Bidya Devi Bhandari and expressed the condolence.

"In his passing away, Nepal has lost a leader who dedicated his life to Nepal’s progress and development," Mukherjee said in the message, "He led Nepal during the crucial period of political transition and Constitution promulgation. The simplicity of his life holds a lesson for all of us."

"The people of India share the sorrow and grief of the people of Nepal over the loss of Shri Sushil Koirala."