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Inder Kumar Gujral
I feel very sad about the tragedy that has overtaken the Nepalese people.
It is something that has hurt the Indian people as much as the Nepalese. In this hour of tragedy, our heart goes out in sympathy to the people and Government of Nepal.
The relationship between India and Nepal has been such that we share each other's joys and pains.
While offering my deeply felt condolences to the queen mother, the regent, the prime minister and the people, I recall my own personal relationships with the late king.
For nearly a decade now, we had stayed close to each other as friends. I had a long meeting with him just six months ago in Kathmandu when we discussed several issues pertaining to our common interest.
He was worried about the onslaught of terrorists in Nepal. He believed that this menace could be tackled only by a joint effort by India and Nepal.
While paying homage to his memory, I must also say that he steered the ship of Nepal's state in difficult circumstances. It was his wisdom and sagacity that made the transfer of power to democratically elected governments so smooth.
In the following years, he behaved as an ideal constitutional monarch.
This is a testing moment for the Nepalese people and their government. I am sure they will deal with this crisis unitedly and with their characteristic restraint.
The former prime minister of India spoke to Ramesh Menon
Death of a Monarch: The Complete Coverage
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