KATHMANDU: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed sorrow over the demise of Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.

Hailing the late leader for his simplicity, Modi condoled the bereaved family and people of Nepal for the loss.

Sushil Koirala ji's simplicity holds lessons for all of us. My condolences to the Koirala family & people of Nepal in this hour of grief.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2016

Wrting on Twitter, he also said that India has lost a valued friend and the Nepali Congress a leader after his demise.

In Sushil Koirala ji, NC has lost a big leader who served Nepal for decades & India lost a valued friend. Pained by his demise. RIP.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 9, 2016

Koirala died of cardiac arrest after suffering from a bout of pneumonia in the wee hours of Tuesday morning at the age of 76 in Shashanka Koirala’s residence.