Tasnim � Iran�s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif extended his condolences to the government and people of India on the passing of the country�s former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

�My deepest condolences to the government and the people of India on the passing of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. I had many fruitful and useful discussions with her while she held office, and am saddened by her sudden passing. May she forever rest in peace,� Zarif wrote on Twitter.

Swaraj, 67, a senior leader of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), had opted out of contesting elections earlier this year citing health reasons.

�A glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end,� tweeted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. �India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader who devoted her life to public service and bettering lives of the poor.�

A former Supreme Court lawyer, Swaraj was the senior most woman in Modi�s cabinet in his first term, which ended in May.

Swaraj was an active social media user, who often responded on Twitter and intervened to help people seeking assistance.