The National Security Advisor, Shri J.N. Dixit, passed away after a massive heart attack at his home in New Delhi this morning. The Prime Minister condoled the demise of Shri Dixit and paid his last respects.

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, was deeply shocked at the demise of Shri Dixit. "I have lost a closed friend a valued colleague and a great source of support and advice. The nation has lost a true patriot, a great diplomat and a wise strategist. The loss is irreparable", the Prime Minister said in a condolence message.

The body of Shri Dixit has been laid in state at his residence - 11, Safdarjung Lane, for people to pay their last respects. The cremation will take place on Wednesday, January 5, 2005.