PHOTO ALBUM: When Mandela charmed Indians

Madiba, as the late Nelson Mandela was affectionately known around the world, had a strong India connection.

After his release in prison, where he spent nearly 25 years for his anti-apartheid efforts, Mandela often visited India and invited Indian dignitaries to South Africa.

As a strong follower of Mahatma Gandhi's teachings, he was awarded the International Gandhi Peace Price in 2001 for his peacemaking efforts by the Indian government.

He was the second foreign recipient of the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award.

Mandela even has a street named after him in national capital New Delhi.

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Mandela is seen smiling after receiving the Gandhi Peace Prize for year 2000 in New Delhi on March 16, 2001. Mandela received the Rs 1 crore prize for his non-violent resistance to apartheid.

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In this March 16, 2001 photo, Mandela is seen with then Indian President K R Narayanan and Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee as they fold their hands in a traditional Indian greeting at the start of an award ceremony for Mandela in New Delhi 

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In this March 27, 1997 photo, Mandela is seen reviewing the guard of honour during the ceremonial reception on his arrival in New Delhi. Mandela was on a three-day official visit to India.

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In this January 4, 1997 photo, Mandela is introduced to Mohammad Azharuddin (left) by then Indian captain Sachin Tendulkar (right). Also seen in the photograph is Rahul Dravid. Mandela meet both teams during the lunch break on the third day of the second cricket Test match between South Africa and India at the Newlands cricket ground.

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In this March 27, 1997 photo, Mandela is being greeted by then Indian Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda during the ceremonial reception in New Delhi

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In this October 7, 1997 photo, Mandela is seen sharing a joke with then Indian Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral after their meeting at the former's office. Gujral was on a short official visit to the country, the first ever by an Indian prime minister.

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In this March 16, 2001 photo, Mandela is seen hugging Congress president Sonia Gandhi's daughter Priyanka Gandhi and her husband Robert Vadra after receiving the Gandhi Peace Prize in New Delhi

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In this September 16, 2004 photo, Mandela is seen with then Indian President A P J Abdul Kalam at the Mandela Foundation offices in Johannesburg. Kalam pledged India's assistance to the 53-member African Union and its South African-based Pan-African Parliament.

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In this August 22, 2007 photo, Congress president Sonia Gandhi is seen with Mandela gestures during their meeting at the Mandela foundation in Johannesburg. Gandhi was on a two-day working visit to South Africa

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