Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday condoled the death of former civil servant and diplomat Naresh Chandra.
"Shri Naresh Chandra was an outstanding public servant who left an indelible mark on matters of governance and policy.
Pained by his demise, " Modi said.
"I remember an insightful discussion with Nareshji, who as USA Ambassador, invited me for dinner.
He believed in strong India - USA friendship. "
he added.
Sonia Gandhi said Chandra was a distinguished civil servant and diplomat and had served the country with formidable resolve and astuteness in his long and exceptional career.
She said his contribution to governance, policy and public issues have left a last imprint on our civil services and the nation.
Chandra died late on Sunday at a hospital in Goa.
He was 82.
He served as the Indian Ambassador to the US from 1996 to 2001 and before that as the Governor of Gujarat from 1995 to 1996.
He was also Cabinet Secretary from 1990 to 1992.