Sushma Swaraj passes away: Ivanka Trump condoles her demise, says ' she was champion for women across the globe'

Condoling the demise of Sushma Swaraj, senior advisor to US President Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump said the former external affairs minister was a champion of women in India and across the globe. The former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, 67, passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi on Tuesday night after suffering a cardiac arrest. 

Tweeting her condolence message on Wednesday, Ivanka said that India has lost a warm and dedicated leader and public servant.

Ivanka Trump had met Swaraj on a host of issues, including those related to women. "Saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and former India External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said. "She was a strong partner who shared our view that a more democratic world is a more peaceful one. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of India," he said in a tweet. 

Sushma Swaraj's  mortal remains were taken to BJP headquarters on Wednesday before being taken to Lodhi crematorium for funeral rites.The late former EAM's daughter Bansuri Swaraj and husband Swaraj Kaushal, paid salute as state honours were accorded to her. Bansuri performed the last rites of the senior BJP leader. The late former Union Minister was cremated with state honours at Lodhi Crematorium.

The former external affairs minister was not only known in the international platform for her magnificent work and oratory but also honoured in the country for standing with all those who needed her. In her party, the BJP, Swaraj was known as a guiding force, and in her political career she is recalled for her political punches. Across party lines, she is honoured not only for being an able administrator, fiery speaker, but also one who respects her opponents. 

Tributes pour in from foreign dignitaries

From the president of United Nations to the head of many countries to the foreign ministers & secretaries of nations across the world expressed their condolences.

India's Ambassador to the UAE Navdeep Suri too tweeted his condolences, describing Swaraj as an "inspirational leader".
"Just devastated to learn about the untimely demise of #SushmaSwaraj. She brought a rare empathy and a personal, human touch to the world of diplomacy and there is just so much that we learned from her. A truly inspirational leader," he tweeted.

Afghan mission extended condolences

The Indian envoy also recalled his post-midnight session with Swaraj in Abu Dhabi when the latter had arrived there as a 'Guest of Honour' to deliver the OIC Foreign Ministers' Conference. "Remembering our 2 AM session with #SushmaSwaraj in Abu Dhabi on March 1. She was to speak the next morning as Guest of Honour at OIC Foreign Ministers' Conference. Arrived after midnight, plunged straight into work, got a bit of rest and delivered a truly memorable address," Suri said in another tweet.

S Rabbani, Afghanistan Foreign Affairs Minister said: "I’m saddened to hear of the untimely demise of Sushma Swaraj, former EAM of India. My deepest condolences to ppl &govt of India on the loss of a distinguished public figure who represented her country with distinction&determination."

Terming Swaraj as one of India's most respected leaders, Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler lauded her for taking Indo-French bilateral ties to "new heights".
"My heartfelt condolences to the family & loved ones of former EAM of India, Sushma Swaraj ji. One of India's most respected leaders, she showed remarkable dedication to serving her fellow citizens & took the Indo-French relationship to new heights," Ziegler tweeted.

Bhutan's Foreign Minister Dr Tandi Dorji also paid his tributes to the former minister. "Deeply saddened to learn of the demise of Smt Sushma Swaraj, former External Affairs Minister of India. Our deepest condolences and sympathies to the people of India and the bereaved families. #@RuchiraKamboj," he said.

Afghan Foreign Minister Salahuddin Rabbani also tweeted, "I'm saddened to hear of the untimely demise of @SushmaSwaraj, Senior BJP leader & former Foreign Minister of India. My deepest condolences to the people & government of India on the loss of a distinguished public figure who represented her country with distinction & determination." Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai remembered Swaraj as a tall leader and great orator.  Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid also recalled his "good friend" Swaraj, describing her as a warm human being and the key architect of renewing bilateral ties between the two countries. Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper also expressed his condolences.

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