New Delhi: Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj died at the AIIMS here on Tuesday night following cardiac arrest, hospital sources said. She was 67.
The veteran BJP leader was brought to AIIMS in a critical condition but soon passed away, the sources said.
Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Nitin Gadkari, Prakash Javadekar and BJP Working President J.P. Nadda arrived at the hospital as they got the news.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of Sushma Swaraj, who was External Affairs Minister in his first government, lauding her services in helping Indians abroad.
“An excellent administrator, Sushma Ji set high standards in every Ministry she handled. She played a key role in bettering India”s ties with various nations. As a Minister we also saw her compassionate side, helping fellow Indians who were in distress in any part of the world.
“A glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end. India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader who devoted her life to public service and bettering lives of the poor. Sushma Swaraj Ji was one of her kind, who was a source of inspiration for crores of people,” he said in a series of tweets.
Condolences poured in from foreign leaders on the death of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who died at age 67, after suffering a massive cardiac arrest.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, expressing deep condolences, said: “She (Sushma) was a good friend of Bangladesh. With her death Bangladesh has lost a good friend.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif tweeted: “My deepest condolences to the government and the people of India on the passing of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
“I had many fruitful and useful discussions with her while she held office, and am saddened by her sudden passing. May she forever rest in peace.”
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai tweeted his condolences: “Deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Behinji Sushma Swaraj. A tall leader and a great orator and people’s person. My profound condolences to the people of India and her family and friends.@narendramodi.”
Abdulla Shahid, Foreign Minister of Maldives, tweeted: “Deeply grieved to hear the demise of my good friend Smt #SushmaSawraj; Stateswoman extraordinaire, diplomat par excellence; A warm human being. Key architect of renewed Maldives-India friendship. Sincere condolences to bereaved family and people of India. May she rest in peace!”
Afghanistan Foreign Affairs Minister S. Rabbani posted: “I’m saddened to hear of the untimely demise of Sushma Swaraj, former EAM of India. My deepest condolences to the people and government of India on the loss of a distinguished public figure who represented her country with distinction & determination.”
Former Israeli ambassador to India Daniel Carmon tweeted: “Saddened by the passing away of former #EAM A@SushmaSwarajji. An #Indian leader who was always impressively accessible to all #Indian citizens worldwide.I will not forget her friendship to Israel In #Parliament & in #Government & her visit to #Jerusalem, 2016. She will be missed.”
Alexandre Ziegler, the Ambassador of France to India, tweeted: “My heartfelt condolences to the family & loved ones of former EAM of India, Sushma Swaraj ji. One of India’s most respected leaders, she showed remarkable dedication to serving her fellow citizens & took the Indo-French relationship to new heights.”
–IANS
