Brajesh Mishra "a towering pillar of strategic community": Manmohan Singh

NEW DELHI: Vice President Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today described late National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra as "a towering pillar of the country's strategic community".

"Mishra was a distinguished diplomat and a public servant of the highest calibre who served the country with great distinction. In his death, the nation has lost an outstanding public figure whose contributions in protecting and promoting national interests will be long remembered," the Vice President said.

Mishra, who would have turned 84 today, died last night. In his message, the Prime Minister said "I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing away of Brajesh Mishra who was one of the most able and influential public servants of his generation."

"In his demise, the country has lost a towering pillar of our strategic community and an outstanding diplomat and administrator," he said.

Singh said as the first NSA, Mishra "brought to the job his breadth of strategic vision, diplomatic finesse and above all, a sense of India's destiny and place in global affairs."