China Condoles Pranab Mukherjee’s Death

Beijing: China on Tuesday expressed condolence over the death of former President Pranab Mukherjee.

“Pranab Mukherjee was a veteran statesman of India. In his 50 years in politics, he made positive contribution to China-India relations. It’s a heavy loss to China-India friendship & to India. We express condolences over his death & extend sympathies,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry tweeted.

The condolence message came even as India and China are enaged in a stand off over parts of Ladakh where the Chinese army set up camp earlier this year. The impasse has not been resolved despite five rounds of talks between the militaries of both nations.

In another development, the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi will hold a special condolence meeting for the former President on Wednesday.