The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of the President of the Republic of Vanuatu, H.E. Baldwin Jacobson Lonsdale.

In a message to H.E. Mr. Esmon Saimon, the Acting President and Speaker of Parliament of the Republic of Vanuatu, the President has said, "We are deeply saddened to learn about the untimely demise of H.E. Baldwin Jacobson Lonsdale, President of the Republic of Vanuatu.

President Lonsdale steadfastly steered Vanuatu through difficult times. With wisdom and foresight, he forged ever-stronger international-partnerships for the Republic of Vanuatu. President Lonsdale was instrumental in strengthening of bilateral relations between India and Republic of Vanuatu.

On behalf of the people and Government of the Republic of India, I extend our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to the family of President Lonsdale and the people of Vanuatu”.

This release issued at 1700 hrs.