India, July 12 -- Veteran Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, a close political ally of US President Donald Trump and one of the most influential voices on national security and foreign policy in the Senate, has died at the age of 71 after what his office described as a "brief and sudden illness," according to the New York Post.

Graham, who had represented South Carolina in the US Senate since 2003, died on Saturday night, according to a statement issued by his office.

"Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period," the statement said.

Emergency response at Capitol Hill home

Emergency personnel responded to a reported cardiac arrest at Graham's Capitol Hill reside...