New Delhi has expressed grief at the untimely demise of US special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke. In a condolence message, the external affairs ministry said ,it has come as a great shock. Calling the departed soul an accomplished diplomat, the message said that he served his country and the cause of international peace and security, with distinction and exceptional insight, in his long and eventful career. It said Holbrooke leaves behind a number of friends and admirers in India and indeed the world over. AIR correspondent reports, Holbrooke died in Washington after surgery on Saturday to repair a tear in his aorta. He was 69.