Pakistan, other nations mourn Vajpayee's death

Remembering the Indian leader, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Vajpayee was a renowned statesman who contributed to bringing a change in India-Pakistan relations and remained a key supporter of SAARC and regional cooperation for development. 

"We have learnt with sadness the passing away of Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India, who was undergoing treatment in a hospital in New Delhi. Mr. Vajpayee was a renowned statesman who contributed to bringing a change in India-Pakistan relations and remained a key supporter of SAARC and regional cooperation for development. The Government and people of Pakistan extend their heartfelt condolences to his family and to the Government and people of India," the Ministry said in a statement.

SAARC nations condole death of Indian tall leader:

Sri Lankan President Mathripala Sirisena called Vajpayee a 'true friend' of Sri Lanka.

" Today, we have lost a great humanist and a true friend of Sri Lanka. Former Prime Minister of India Atal Bihari Vajpayee was a visionary leader and an ardent defender of democracy. My condolences to his family and millions of his admirers around the world. #AtalBihariVajpayee," Sirisena tweeted.

Former President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai remarked: "Although he had been ill for some time, it is shocking to hear of the passing of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on Thursday evening. Vajpayee Saheb was a highly respected leader of all of South Asia and was held in esteem across the international community."

Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli said the death of the Indian tall leader left him sad.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, former Prime Minister of India. May the departed soul rest in eternal peace!," Oli tweeted.

UK, US mourn Vajpayee's death:

British High Commissioner to India Dominic Asquith  was quoted as saying in an official tweet posted by the Commission: "We are saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister of India Shri #AtalBihariVajpayee. We will remember him as one of India’s greatest leaders. Shri Vajpayee was much respected in the UK as a statesman par excellence."

The US Embassy said in a statement: "The United States grieves with India on the loss of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.  He will be remembered for his immense contribution in bolstering U.S.-India relations.  During his tenure, Prime Minister Vajpayee advocated for a robust partnership with the United States, referring to us as 'natural allies.'  The U.S. Mission in India extends our deepest condolences to the family of former Prime Minister Vajpayee and the citizens of India."