Fidel Castro stands on a sugar cane plantation in Cuba in 1966. (Roberto Salas/Prensa Latina via AP Images, File) Fidel Castro stands on a sugar cane plantation in Cuba in 1966. (Roberto Salas/Prensa Latina via AP Images, File)

Former revolutionary and Cuban leader Fidel Castro died on Friday evening, eight years after he resigned as President of the largest Caribbean Island. Condolences poured for the leader from all around the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday tweeted out extending his condolences to the country and expressing support for the people in the dark hour.

Read | Fidel Castro was the revolutionary who defied US for 50 years

“Fidel Castro was one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century. India mourns the loss of a great friend,” PM Modi said. “I extend my deepest condolences to the Government & people of Cuba on the sad demise of Fidel Castro. May his soul rest in peace.”

Extending solidarity to the people of the country, he said, “We stand in support with the Cuban Government and people in this tragic hour.”

I extend my deepest condolences to the Government & people of Cuba on the sad demise of Fidel Castro. May his soul rest in peace. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2016

We stand in support with the Cuban Government and people in this tragic hour. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2016

Fidel Castro was one of the most iconic personalities of the 20th century. India mourns the loss of a great friend. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 26, 2016

Former President Fidel Castro led a rebel army to an improbable victory in Cuba and embraced Soviet-style communism and defied the power of 10 US presidents during his half century rule. Castro overcame imprisonment at the hands of dictator Fulgencio Batista, exile in Mexico and a disastrous start to his rebellion before triumphantly riding into Havana in January 1959 to become, at age 32, the youngest leader in Latin America.

Read| Cuba’s Fidel Castro dies: 8 facts about the revolutionary leader

For decades, he served as an inspiration and source of support to revolutionaries from Latin America to Africa. “Socialism or death” remained Castro’s rallying cry even as Western-style democracy swept the globe and other communist regimes in China and Vietnam embraced capitalism, leaving this island of 11 million people an economically crippled Marxist curiosity.

📣 The Indian Express is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel (@indianexpress) and stay updated with the latest headlines

For all the latest World News, download Indian Express App.

© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd