The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has expressed condolences over the passing away of Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela.

In a condolence message addressed to Mr. Nicolas Maduro Moros, Executive Vice President of Venezuela, The President has said, "It is with sadness that I learned of the untimely demise of President Hugo Chavez. On behalf of the Government and people of India, I convey our deepest condolences to the family of President Chavez and to the Government and people of Venezuela.

President Chavez was a highly popular and charismatic leader. He dealt with challenging national issues with courage and bore his difficult personal circumstances with great strength. He continuously endeavoured to advance the cause of the underprivileged. The longstanding ties of friendship and cooperation between the people of India and Venezuela were strengthened under his leadership.

The Government and people of India stand by the people of Venezuela in their hour of grief”.