New Delhi, Dec 1(ANI): Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh condoled the passing away of Rajasthan Governor Shailender Kumar Singh on Tuesday in the national capital.

S.K. Singh breathed his last in the national capital on Tuesday at a hospital following a prolonged illness. He was 77.

In his condolence message to S.K. Singh’s wife, Manju Singh, Dr. Singh described S.K. Singh as a very dear friend whose wisdom and knowledge and experience he was able to draw upon in difficult circumstances.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the sad demise of S.K. Singh. Singh served the country as a public servant of distinction in various positions over the past five decades. He was one of the outstanding Foreign Service Officers of his generation who rose to the post of Foreign Secretary,” the Prime Minister said in his condolence message.

“He served for four years as India’s Ambassador to Pakistan in the late eighties, during a difficult period in our bilateral relations. Singh brought his rich experience of public life and diplomacy to bear on his gubernatorial assignment in Arunachal Pradesh,” he added.

Dr. Singh further said that in his passing away the country has lost a senior public servant who was serving the people of Rajasthan with dedication and commitment at the time of his untimely demise.

“He was a very dear friend whose wisdom, knowledge and experience I was able to draw upon in difficult circumstances. Please accept my deepest condolences on the sad passing away of your husband. He will be missed by his many friends and admirers, May God give you the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” the Prime Minister added. (ANI)