Former Indian finance minister Arun Jaitley dies

SAJJAD HUSSAIN / AFP

Former Indian finance minister Arun Jaitley has died at the age of 66.

He was one of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s closest associates.

Officials said Jaitley died on Saturday almost two weeks after he was admitted to hospital because of breathing issues.

He was a senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and stepped down earlier this year because of poor health.

Modi, who is currently in the UAE on a two-day state visit, paid tribute to Jaitley on Twitter, calling him a "political giant, towering intellectual and legal luminary who made a lasting contribution to India."

More from International

Coming Up on Dubai Eye

  • Extra Time

    7:00pm - 10:00pm

    Chris & Robbie bring you the latest from the sporting world plus interviews with upcoming and legendary sporting stars.

  • Nights on Dubai Eye 103.8

    10:00pm - 11:00pm

    Dubai Eye complements the conversation with the music you love from the eighties, nineties and newer.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST LATEST

On Dubai Eye

  • Flying Taxis

    It sounds like an episode of The Jetsons, but the sight of flying taxis whizzing around our cities could be much closer than you think.

  • Tough penalties for deliberate tax evasion

    The UAE has said that tougher penalties will come into force from 1st August for not keeping proper corporate tax records.