Vajpayee made path-breaking contributions to Sino-Indian relations: China

Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of India’s most charismatic leaders and inspirational orators, died on Thursday at the age of 93 in New Delhi.

China on Friday paid homage to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, describing him as an outstanding politician who made path-breaking contributions to the development of bilateral relations.

A sea of supporters attend the funeral procession of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in New Delhi on Friday. (PTI)

Vajpayee, one of India’s most charismatic leaders and inspirational orators, died on Thursday at the age of 93 in New Delhi.

The foreign ministry said in a statement, “Vajpayee is an outstanding politician in India and has made path-breaking contributions to the development of Sino-Indian relations”.

The Chinese side expressed deep condolences over his death to the Indian government and people and to the relatives of Vajpayee, the ministry said in the statement to PTI.

Premier Li Keqiang has sent a condolence message, the ministry said.

Vajpayee visited China in 2003 during which the two countries set up the Special Representative mechanism to resolve the boundary dispute.