(Image source from: Free Press Journal)

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has delineated former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee as an "exemplary statesman" during his visit to India's permanent mission to the UN to offer his condolences to the late Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader.

One of India's most charismatic leaders and inspirational orators Atal Bihari Vajpayee died on August 16 at the age of 93 in New Delhi.

Guterres, during his visit to the Permanent Mission of India this week, extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the former prime minister, recalling that he had met Atal Bihari Vajpayee during the first India-EU (European Union) summit.

The UN chief added that he would always be remembered as an "exemplary statesman and leader who worked selflessly for peace and development in India and the world."

Ambassadors and delegates of several countries, including Peru, Israel, Nigeria, Palestine, Switzerland, Pakistan and Japan, likewise paid a visit to record their messages in the condolence book. Atul Khare, the UN under-secretary-general for field support, as well expressed his condolences.

Pakistan's delegate wrote that Atal Bihari Vajpayee contributed to bringing a change in the India-Pakistan relations and remained a key supporter of SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and regional cooperation for development.

A 'shradhanjali sabha' (homage meet) was likewise held by the Consulate General of India, where officials from other nations and several members of the Indian-American community paid tributes to Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

By Sowmya Sangam