Former Prime Minister of India Mr. Inder Kumar Gujral passed away on 30th November 2012. In his long and distinguished public service, he held diverse political and diplomatic responsibilities. Apart from the Prime Ministershiip, he was Minister of External Affairs (1989-1990) and held portfolios of several other Ministries in the Union Government, including inter-alia Communications & Parliamentary Affairs, Information & Broadcasting, Public Works & Housing, and Planning. He also served as Indian Ambassador to USSR (1976-1980). In his long Parliamentary innings, Mr. Gujral was Chairman of various Parliamentary Committees and was also Leader of the Upper House.

Born on 4th December 1919, Mr. Gujral was an intellectual, a scholar-statesman, a man of peace, and an idealist who lived by his principles. His vision was rooted in the teachings of the leaders of the freedom movement. He himself actively participated in the freedom struggle and was also imprisoned several times.

He led Indian delegations to sessions of various United Nations bodies such as UNGA, UNHRC, UNESCO and was also a member of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. He is well known for his “Gujral Doctrine”, aimed at strengthening India"s relations with her neighbours without insisting on reciprocity, and his vision of a prosperous South Asia at peace with itself, including inter alia by pursuing the idea of ‘sub-regional cooperation" wherever feasible, constitutes a lasting legacy. Mr. Gujral is also credited with initiating negotiations on the historic India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement.

A Condolence Book will be kept open for visitors at the High Commission of India, 36-38 Galle Road, Colombo-03 from 1030-1300 hrs and 1500-1700 hrs on Tuesday, 4 December, and Wednesday, 5 December, 2012.