'Loss of a great leader': US President Trump condoles demise of former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday expressed grief over the demise of former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, and said he was saddened to learn about his passing.

"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," Trump tweeted.

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.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 1, 2020

Earlier, US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo condoled the demise of former President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, saying his visionary leadership was instrumental in bringing the two countries together.

"Saddened to hear of the passing of former Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, whose visionary leadership was instrumental in bringing the United States and India closer together. We extend our deepest condolences to the people of India during this difficult time," Pompeo said in a tweet.

Several foreign countries and leaders from across the world paid tribute to the former President, including Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Sheikh Hasina wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing grief over the death of Pranab Mukherjee.

Vladimir Putin also sent his condolences saying that Mukherjee "made a significant personal contribution to strengthening the relations of a particularly privileged strategic partnership between our countries."

Meanwhile, the last rites for former President of India Pranab Mukherjee were conducted on September 1 at the Lodhi Crematorium in New Delhi. The former president's son Abhijit Mukherjee performed the last rites for his father in the presence of friends and family.

Several politicos cutting across party lines, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, and others paid their last respects to former President Pranab Mukherjee.

The Government of India has announced seven-day official mourning in the wake of Mukherjee's death.

Pranab Mukherjee passed away at the age of 84 on Monday in Delhi's Army's Research and Referral Hospital after his medical condition declined in the morning and he suffered a septic shock due to lung infection.

Pranab Mukherjee served as the 13th President of India from 2012 to 2017.

Before being elected as the President, Mukherjee served as the Union Finance Minister from 2009-2012 and a senior leader of the Congress.

He was also awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 2019 by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind.

(With ANI inputs)