File Image
Leaders from across the world including, the US, France, Russia, and Sri Lanka have expressed grief over the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and recalled his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations. Leaders from Afghanistan, Maldives, Mauritius, and Nepal also paid their tributes to Singh.
Former US President Barack Obama, in his memoir “A Promised Land,” paid tribute to Dr. Singh’s exceptional leadership, describing him as a “man with uncommon wisdom”. Obama praised Dr. Singh’s commitment to economic reform, his dedication to the well-being of the Indian people, and his unwavering integrity.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called him “one of the greatest champions of the bilateral strategic partnership”. “Dr Singh was one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership, and his work laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades,” Blinken said.
Offering condolences to the people of India for the passing of Singh, Blinken said the leadership of the former prime minister in advancing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signified a major investment in the potential of the US-India relationship.
“At home, Dr Singh will be remembered for his economic reforms that spurred India’s rapid economic growth. We mourn Dr Singh’s passing and will always remember his dedication to bringing the United States and India closer together,” Blinken said.
Russia President Vladimir Putin extended condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Singh’s passing.
Calling him an “outstanding statesman”, Putin said, “As prime minister and when serving in other high-ranking positions, he accomplished a lot in promoting India’s economic development and asserting its interests on the world stage.”
Putin said Singh also made a major personal contribution to strengthening friendly ties between India and Russia by elevating them to the level of a special privileged strategic partnership.
“I had the occasion of talking with this remarkable man several times. We will cherish the memory of him,” he added.
French President Emmanuel Macron said “India has lost a great man” and France a true friend, in the person of Dr Manmohan Singh. “He had devoted his life to his country. Our thoughts are with his family and the people of India.”
India has lost a great man, and France a true friend, in the person of Dr. Manmohan Singh. He had devoted his life to his country. Our thoughts are with his family and the people of India.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 27, 2024
Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake issued a message of condolence and called the former prime minister “a visionary leader”.
“On behalf of the people of Sri Lanka and myself, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Republic of India, Dr Manmohan Singh’s family, and his countless admirers worldwide,” the message read.
On behalf of the people of Sri Lanka and myself, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Republic of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s family, and his countless admirers worldwide. A visionary leader, Dr. Singh’s influence transcended national boundaries. As Prime Minister from 2004…
— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) December 27, 2024
“A visionary leader, Dr Singh’s influence transcended national boundaries. As Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, his transformative policies, like the Right to Education Act and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, reflected his steadfast commitment to equity and inclusivity.
“A tireless advocate of international collaboration, he forged lasting alliances, contributed to coalitions like BRICS, and showcased remarkable diplomacy through achievements such as the Indo-US nuclear agreement,” the message said.
“His humility, intellect, and dedication to public service will forever inspire future generations. May his soul find peace and be united with the divine!”
China also paid tributes to Singh saying that he made a “positive contribution” to the development of India-China relations recalling a key agreement signed between the two countries during his tenure to address the vexed boundary issue.
Singh has made a positive contribution to the development of India-China relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing in Beijing.
