The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of General K.V. Krishna Rao, former Chief of Army Staff.

In a message to his son, Shri K.V. L. Narayan Rao, the President has said, "I am sad to learn about the passing away of your father, General K.V. Krishna Rao, former Chief of Army Staff.

General Rao was a distinguished public servant who made his mark as Chief of the Army Staff. For his outstanding services to the Indian Army, he was honoured with the Param Vishisht Seva Medal.

General Rao also served the nation in various other capacities such as Governor of Nagaland, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram and Jammu and Kashmir. He was conferred the Honorary Doctorate of D. Litt. (Honoris Causa) by the Andhra University, Doctor of Laws (Honoris Causa) by Sri Venkateswara University and Doctor of Letters (D. Litt.) (Honoris Causa) by the Telugu University. His exemplary services to the nation and the Indian Army shall always be remembered.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences and convey them to the rest of your family members. I pray to the Almighty to give you and other members of your family, the strength and courage to bear this irreparable loss”.

This release issued at 1930 hrs.