New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday condoled the death of former National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra, describing him as "one of the most able and influential public servants of his generation".

In a message, the prime minister said: "I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing away of Shri Brajesh Mishra. Shri Mishra was one of the most able and influential public servants of his generation."

Mishra, who was a key aide then prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee from 1998 to 2004, passed away at a Delhi hospital Friday night at age 84.

Manmohan Singh said Mishra as NSA "brought to the job his breadth of strategic vision, diplomatic finesse and above all, a sense of India's destiny and place in global affairs".

He also lauded Mishra, saying that in serving both as NSA and principal secretary to Vajpayee, "Shri Mishra displayed a grasp of administration and public affairs at the highest level that few will ever match".

The prime minister said he consulted Mishra on a number of occasions as prime minister "and found his counsel to be insightful and free from bias".

"He always thought about what was right for the country. His forceful articulation of India's interests won him friends and admirers in the strategic community all over the world".

"He will be remembered for his masterly handling of the aftermath of the nuclear tests in 1998 and for guiding Shri Vajpayee's peace initiatives in the neighbourhood. In the demise of Shri Mishra, the country has lost a towering pillar of our strategic community and an outstanding diplomat and administrat.