NEW DELHI, JUNE 21 :  External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday expressed grief at the passing away of India’s Ambassador to Turkiye Virander Paul.

The EAM said in a post on X that he had worked closely with Paul in his many postings and his passing away is a great loss to the Indian Foreign Service.

“Deeply grieved at the passing away of Virander Paul, our Ambassador in Türkiye.
“A great loss to the Indian Foreign Service. Have worked closely with him in his many postings. Always admired his commitment and service and value his many contributions.
“Deepest condolences to his family. Om Shanti.”
The MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X:

”We are deeply saddened at the untimely demise of Ambassador Virander Paul, India’s envoy to Türkiye.
“A dedicated officer, he will always be remembered for his exceptional human qualities and impactful professional contribution.

“Our heartfelt condolences to his family. Team @MEAIndia stands with them in this difficult hour.”
The Indian High Commission in London also expressed its condolences as Virander Paul had served as Deputy High Commissioner at London from February 2023 to September 2016.

“In his passing, Indian Foreign Service loses a colleague, a mentor and above all, a friend to the very many whose lives he touched with warmth and a desire to help,” it said.

An IFS of the 1991 batch, Paul was appointed Ambassador to Turkiye in July 2022. Prior to that he had served as High Commissioner in Kenya.

The Indian High Commission in Kenya also mourned the passing away of their former Indian High Commissioner.

“Deeply mourn the passing of Ambassador Virander Paul, former High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador to Somalia, & PR to UN in Kenya (2020-22). He will be remembered as a stellar professional and gentleman. Heartfelt condolences to his family.”
The Indian Embassy in Turkiye said:

“We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of our Ambassador Dr. Virander Paul.
We offer our deepest condolences to his family members.
He will always be remembered fondly.”

Firal Sunel, the Turkish Ambassador to India, also mourned the passing away in a post:
“Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of my dear friend, HE Dr. Ravinder Paul, Ambassador of India to Turkiye.He was an excellent person and a distinguished diplomat.

My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and mourning friends in the MEA. Om Shanti.”
Paul had been ailing for some time, it is learnt.