Former Defence Minister and deputy chairman of Planning Commission Krishna Chandra Pant passed away in New Delhi today. He was 81. The Vice President, Prime Minister and Defence Minister have expressed deep grief on his death.
In his condolence message, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari said Mr Pant's contribution to the nation building will be long remembered. Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh described him as a leader who served the nation with great distinction. Dr Singh said, in his passing away, the country has lost an eminent public figure and able administrator. Defence Minister AK Antony hailed Mr Pant for steering the ministry at one of the most critical junctures of history when Indian forces were deployed in strife-torn Sri Lanka on a peacekeeping mission. The Defence minister said he was instrumental in setting up of the first Coast Guard Air Station at Daman.