Former National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra passed away in New Delhi on Friday following a heart attack. He was 84.

A career diplomat, Mishra was Principal Secretary to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee before he was appointed National Security Advisor. He had earlier retired as Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry after having served as India's Permanent representative to the UN. Mishra played a key role in foreign policy matters and pushed for deeper engagement with the US.

Vice-President Mohammad Hamid Ansari has condoled his demise. In his message, Ansari described Mishra's death as a personal loss.