Mukherjee enriched foreign service with his leadership: FS Shringla

In a rich tribute to former president Pranab Mukherjee who died earlier this week after prolonged illness, foreign secretary Harsh Shringla said Mukherjee had a tremendous influence on the entire gamut of governance and, as foreign minister, was instrumental in articulating and realizing several of our foreign policy priorities.
Shringla made the remarks in a letter to Mukherjee's family members in which he on the behalf of MEA, and also on his own behalf, offered condolences on the death of the former Congress leader.
"It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing away of the former President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee. Shri Mukherjee’s contributions and achievements in the service of India need no recounting," said Shringla, adding that the Indian Foreign Service was greatly enriched by Mukherjee's stellar leadership and instinctive understanding of international affairs.
Shringla recalled his own association with Mukherjee when the latter was foreign minister and he served as a joint secretary in the ministry.
"I had the privilege of working under his guidance while he headed different high offices in the Government of India. I also benefited from his insights and advice on Bangladesh as the Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs and later as High Commissioner there. I fondly recall his 2018 visit to Bangladesh on which you accompanied him," Shringla said in the letter.
"With the passing of Shri Mukherjee, we have lost a great statesman and an inspirational figure in our public life. We pray for his soul to rest in peace," he added.
Recognising Mukherjee's contribution to bilateral ties, Bangladesh on Wednesday observed state mourning in honour of its “real friend”, recalling the former Indian president’s outstanding and unforgettable contributions to the country’s 1971 Liberation War and strengthening of bilateral relations.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sent a letter to her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, saying as a renowned scholar and statesman of India, and a highly esteemed leader of South Asia, Mukherjee commanded the respect and admiration of all.