India grieves Richard Holbrooke?s death

India on Tuesday condoled the death of US diplomat Richard Holbrooke.

?The news of the untimely demise of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke has come as a great shock. An accomplished diplomat, he served his country and the cause of international peace and security, with distinction and exceptional insight, in his long and eventful career,? said the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in a statement.

?He leaves behind a number of friends and admirers in India and indeed the world over. Our heartfelt condolences to members of his family and friends,? the statement said.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has also expressed her condolences at Holbrooke?s death.

?America has lost one of its fiercest champions and most dedicated public servants. Richard Holbrooke served the country he loved for nearly half a century, representing the United States in far-flung war-zones and high-level peace talks, always with distinctive brilliance and unmatched determination. He was one of a kind — a true statesman — and that makes his passing all the more painful,? said Clinton in a statement.

?I had the privilege to know Richard for many years and to call him a friend, colleague and confidante. As Secretary of State, I have counted on his advice and relied on his leadership. This is a sad day for me, for the State Department and for the United States of America,? she said.

?My thoughts and prayers are with Richard’s beloved wife Kati, his sons David and Anthony, his step-children Elizabeth and Chris Jennings, his daughter-in-law Sarah, and all of his countless friends and colleagues,? the US Secretary said.

Holbrooke (69) died on Monday following a second round of surgery to treat a torn aorta. He fell ill on Friday while meeting Clinton.

He was President Barack Obama’s special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan.