Holbrooke an accomplished diplomat: India

NEW DELHI - India Tuesday condoled the death of US special envoy Richard C. Holbrooke and lauded him as an accomplished diplomat who served his country and the cause of international peace with distinction.

“The news of the untimely demise of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke has come as a great shock, the external affairs ministry said in a statement.

“An accomplished diplomat, he served his country and the cause of international peace and security with distinction and exceptional insight in his long and eventful career, the ministry said.

“He leaves behind a number of friends and admirers in India and indeed the world over. Our heartfelt condolences to members of his family and friends, it said.

The 69-year-old Holbrooke, the US’ high profile diplomatic troubleshooter and Obama administration’s pointsman in the war-torn Afghan-Pakistan region, died after surgery to repair a tear in his aorta.

One of the world’s most recognizable diplomats, Holbrooke’s five-decade-long career spanned from the Vietnam War era to the war against the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, coinciding with presidencies of John F. Kennedy to Barack Obama.