New Delhi:
Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. Condolences have poured in from all over the world for the two-time former prime minister and the architect of India’s economic reforms. Many world leaders have highlighted his contributions and warm relations with their nations.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Manmohan Singh one of the “greatest champions” of the US-India strategic partnership.
“The United States extends our sincere condolences to the people of India on the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Dr. Singh was one of the leading advocates of the U.S.-India strategic partnership, and his work laid the foundation for much of what Our countries have achieved together over the past two decades. His leadership in advancing the US-India cooperation agreement represented a major investment in the potential of the US-India relationship,” Blinken said.
He added: “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 commitment to bringing the United States and India closer to bring together.”
Former Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper expressed his sadness over the death of Manmohan Singh.
“I am saddened by the passing away of my former colleague, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He was a person of exceptional intelligence, integrity and wisdom. Laureen and I would like to convey our condolences to all his family and friends,” he wrote. in a message on X.
I am saddened by the passing away of my former colleague, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He was a person of exceptional intelligence, integrity and wisdom. Laureen and I would like to express our condolences to all his family and friends.
—Stephen Harper (@stephenharper) December 26, 2024
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai described Dr. Singh as an “unwavering ally and friend of the Afghan people”.
“India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. Dr. Manmohan Singh was a steadfast ally and friend of the Afghan people. I deeply mourn his passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family, the government and the people of India. May his soul finds eternal peace,” he said.
#India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. #Dr_Manmohan_Singh was a steadfast ally and friend of the people of #Afghanistan. I deeply mourn his passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family, the Government and the people of India.
May his soul find… pic.twitter.com/ZrY5bCFVIR— Hamid Karzai (@KarzaiH) December 26, 2024
Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed also offered his condolences, saying: “So sad to hear of Manmohan Singh’s passing. I always found him a pleasure to work with, and a benevolent father figure. He was a close friend of the Maldives.”
So sad to hear that Manmohan Singh has passed away. I have always found him a pleasure to work with, and a benevolent father figure. He was a good friend of the Maldives. @HCIMaldives pic.twitter.com/I0vnfimKpl
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) December 26, 2024
“It is a moment of poignant grief and sorrow for India and Russia. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable. His friendly demeanor was always endearing, equally unquestionable was his expertise as an economist and his commitment to progress of India.” he said.
It is a moment of poignant grief and sorrow for India and Russia. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable. His friendly demeanor was always endearing, just as his expertise as an economist and his commitment to India’s progress were unquestionable. pic.twitter.com/rxjUQsFgj5
— Denis Alipov 🇷🇺 (@AmbRus_India) December 26, 2024
Brazilian President Lula da Silva also paid tribute to ‘friend’ Manmohan Singh and recalled his contribution in setting up the IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Dialogue Forum and the BRICS grouping.
My condolences on the death of my friend, former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh. We were contemporaries in government in the first decade of the 21st century, working together to strengthen relations between our countries and build a fairer world. Singh was involved in the formation of the IBSA, which brought together Brazil, South Africa and India, and the creation of the BRICS,” he said.
The Brazilian president also recalled his meeting with Dr. Singh in 2012.
“In 2012, when he was no longer president, we met in New Delhi and talked a lot about development, fighting poverty and hunger, and cooperation in the Global South. My sincere condolences to the people of India, family, friends and companions of Manmohan Singh,” he wrote.
My sentimental opinion was that my friend was the ex-Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh. Today’s government on the first decade of the 21st century and most of the time is growing the relationship between our people and for a construction of a world that is more just.… pic.twitter.com/brxiBF4VXC
— Lula (@LulaOficial) December 26, 2024
Manmohan Singh served two terms as Prime Minister in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government from 2004 to 2014.