Antony pays tributes to Vietnam's Gen Giap

In his first public engagement in a month, Defence Minister A. K. Antony Tuesday went to the Vietnamese embassy to pay homage to the legendary Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap, who led the southeast Asian nation's forces to victory over France and the US.

"In his first public engagement in a month, the defence minister drove down to the Vietnamese Embassy and paid homage on behalf of the nation to Gen Vo Nguyen Giap, the brilliant commander who brought victory for Vietnam in many wars," said an official statement

Gen Giap had passed away in Hanoi Oct 4.

The release noted that members of the Indian defence delegation led by Antony were the last foreign visitors who were received by Gen Giap and his wife "at their modest residence in Hanoi" in December 2007.

Antony offered "deepest condolences" on behalf of the government and said India shares the grief of the people of Vietnam "on the passing away of one of their most respected national heroes".

He said Gen Giap's leadership of Vietnam's national liberation had evoked the admiration of the Indian people.

"He shall remain an inspiration to people all over the world," Antony said.

Antony, who underwent a minor prostate surgery at the Army Research and Referral Hospital here last month, was discharged Sunday and attended office for some hours Monday.