New Delhi, Nov 7 (IANS) Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Saturday condoled the death of former civil servant Gopi Arora, a close aide of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Arora, who died Thursday, was from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and wielded enormous influence in the 1980s. He was finance secretary in 1989-90, serving the Indian government for over 35 years.

'It is with great sadness and a sense of personal loss that I learnt of the passing away of your husband. Gopi was an exceptionally brilliant civil servant who served the country with great distinction. In his long and distinguished public career, he held many important positions and excelled in each one of them,' said Singh in a condolence message to Arora's wife.

'Gopi's powerful intellect was matched in equal measure by kindness and generosity of spirit. Ever helpful, he will be remembered with deep affection and respect by all those whose lives he touched. His career will continue to inspire public servants in the time to come,' the prime minister said.