Washington, DC

Ambassador Meera Shankar signed the Condolence Book for Ambassador Richard Holbrooke at the State Department today. 
 She recorded the following:

 "I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke.  He was a giant of diplomacy and leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in the service of his nation and in the cause of world peace.  We have been in regular touch over the past two years and I had come to respect his intellect and remarkable determination and energy.  I admired his commitment to the challenging task he had been assigned.  I will miss him as a valuable colleague and interlocutor.  Our prayers are with his family at this time of grief.  I convey my deepest condolences on behalf of the Government of India and on my own behalf."