Chief minister of India's Goa state dies of illness

MUMBAI, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Chief Minister of India's Goa state Manohar Parrikar passed away at his residence on Sunday evening after prolonged illness.

Born in 1955, he had also served as defence minister in the cabinet of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2014-2017. He had been suffering from pancreatic cancer.

Expressing condolences on Parrikar's demise, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind said in his tweet that "Extremely sorry to hear of the passing of Shri Manohar Parrikar, Chief Minister of Goa, after an illness borne with fortitude and dignity. An epitome of integrity and dedication in public life, his service to the people of Goa and of India will not be forgotten."