The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has written to H.R.H. Maha Vajiralongkorn, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Thailand conveying his condolences on the passing away of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

In his message, the President has said, "I was deeply saddened to learn of the demise, last evening, of His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej. In his passing, Thailand and the world have lost a sagacious and dedicated national leader. His Majesty played a central role in shaping modern Thailand and in consolidating its relations with friendly nations around the world.

India has lost a cherished friend and will always value His Majesty’s personal contribution to the strengthening of the close relationship between the Republic of India and the Kingdom of Thailand.

Throughout his seventy-year reign, His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej had been a unifying figure who guided the people of Thailand with grace and compassion. He remained devoted to the balanced advancement of his country and rightly stressed environmental and social responsibilities as equally important factors of economic progress.

The people of India, who have long admired his charismatic personality, share the grief of the people of Thailand.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences”.

This Press Release issued at 2100 hrs.