Donald Trump condoles demise of India's 'great leader' Pranab Mukherjee

In a tweet, he wrote, "I was saddened to learn of the passing of India's former President, Pranab Mukherjee. I send my condolences to his family and the people of India as they grieve the loss of a great leader."

Earlier in a statement, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said: "The United States is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. In a distinguished career spanning more than half a century, President Mukherjee worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of India as a parliamentarian, cabinet minister, and as President of the world’s largest democracy."

Pompeo noted that Mukherjee played a crucial role in paving the way for a stronger US-India relationship.

The US Secretary also hailed Mukherjee for championing the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement as the External Affairs Minister then.

A recipient of India's highest civilian honour Bharat Ratna, Mukherjee died on Monday. He was 84.

Mukherjee was admitted to the hospital on Aug 10 in a critical condition. He had a large brain clot, for which he underwent an emergency life-saving surgery.