India has lost a valued friend, says PM on Koirala's demise

New Delhi

"In Sushil Koirala ji, NC (Nepali Congress) has lost a big leader who served Nepal for decades & India lost a valued friend. Pained by his demise. RIP," he tweeted.

"Sushil Koirala ji's simplicity holds lessons for all of us. My condolences to the Koirala family & people of Nepal in this hour of grief," Modi added.

Koirala, who was credited with promulgating the country's new Constitution in September last year to complete a stalled peace process, died today after a bout of pneumonia.

79-year-old Koirala had served as Nepal's Prime Minister from February 2014 to October 2015 and was the president of Nepali Congress, the country's biggest political party.