Dushanbe, 15.02.2016 (NIAT “Khovar”) .-India’s Ambassador to Tajikistan Biraja Prasad, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from Odisha, who was posted recently as Ambassador to Tajikistan, passed away  on Saturday morning.

According to the new Indian Express, Prasad, 42 years of age, is reported to have died following a cardiac arrest.

«Our deepest condolences to the family of Biraja Prasad, our Ambassador to Tajikistan, who tragically passed away this morning,» External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted.

«The thoughts and prayers of the ministry and the diplomatic community are with you at this difficult time,» he stated.

The Hindu reports Mr. Prasad, a career diplomat, had joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1998.  He had held different diplomatic assignments such as third secretary and then second secretary (Political) in Embassy of India, Moscow (Russian Federation) from 2000 to 2002 and Second Secretary (Political and Commercial).

He had also served as under-secretary (Russia) in the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, from 2004 to 2005 and under-secretary (Europe West) from 2005 to 2007.  Mr. Prasad had joined the Embassy of India, Madrid, in September 2011 and held the position of Deputy Chief of Mission.  The diplomat had Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Electronics and Communication Engineering.