The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the passing away of the former Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Ariel Sharon.

In a letter to the Prime Minister of Israel, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Dr. Singh said Mr. Sharon made extremely important contributions to the State of Israel, and took bold steps for peace in the region.

Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s letter:

“I was deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Mr. Ariel Sharon.

During his long career in public service, Mr. Sharon made extremely important contributions to the State of Israel. As Prime Minister, he took bold steps for peace in the region. We in India recall that he was the first-ever Prime Minister of Israel to visit India in September 2003. His lasting contribution to the promotion of our bilateral ties will be long remembered.

In this hour of bereavement, please accept our heartfelt condolences and sympathies.
 
Please accept, Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.”