Kathmandu, June 6: Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on behalf of his own and people of India, has expressed sorrow and condolence to Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on the tragic demise of Their Majesties King Birendra, King Dipendra and Queen Aishwarya.

In his message to Prime Minister Koirala, the Indian Prime Minister said that in the hour of national sorrow, India and its people are with the Kingdom of Nepal and its citizens.

Following is the full text of Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee:

Excellency,

It is with immense anguish that I convey to Your Excellency, on behalf of the Government and people of India, our most sincere condolences on the tragic demise of His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, Her Majesty Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah, His Majesty King Dipendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev and other members of the Royal Family. Our heartfelt prayers are with the departed souls.

His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram hah Dev was held in the highest regard and will be remembered by future generations for his impressive contributions to the progress and socio-economic development of Nepal. I remember warmly my interaction with him in January 1999 when he visited India as the Guest of Honour at our Republic Day celebrations. We in India particularly recall his invaluable role in strengthening the close ties of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries.

We would like you to know that in this hour of national sorrow, India and its people are with the Kingdom of Nepal and its citizens. We are confident that the innate courage and resilience of the Nepalese people will enable them to bear this great loss and to continue their journey on the path towards peaceful progress and development.

We will continue to extend our fullest support and cooperation in this process. Please accept, Excellency, assurances of my highest consideration.

(A.B. Vajpayee)