Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave passes away at 60

Union Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave passed away on Thursday at the age of 60.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express his shock over the sudden death, stating it as a personal loss.

"Absolutely shocked by the sudden demise of my friend & a very respected colleague, Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave ji. My condolences. Anil Madhav Dave ji will be remembered as a devoted public servant. He was tremendously passionate towards conserving the environment. I was with Anil Madhav Dave ji till late last evening, discussing key policy issues. This demise is a personal loss," he tweeted.

I was with Anil Madhav Dave ji till late last evening, discussing key policy issues. This demise is a personal loss.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 18 May 2017

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member, Dave represented Madhya Pradesh in the Rajya Sabha since 2009.

Further details are awaited.