NEW DELHI, Dec 27: Leaders from across the world including, the US, Canada, France, Russia, Pakistan 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.
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.
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 on Friday 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.”
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.
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.
Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said he was saddened by the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh.
“Born in a village in Pakistan’s Chakwal district, Dr Singh was a distinguished economist and political leader. He will be remembered for his wisdom and gentle demeanour,” Dar wrote on X.
“He played a notable role in improving Pakistan-India bilateral relations during his tenure as prime minister. The people and the Government Pakistan extend their heartfelt condolences to Dr Manmohan Singh’s family, and to the people and the Government of India,” he added.
Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed grief over the demise of the former Indian prime minister.
“I would like to express heartfelt condolences on the demise of Manmohan Singh,” Oli wrote on Facebook.
“I recall our discussions on matters relating to mutual interest between Nepal and India. I extend my heartfelt condolences to the late Manmohan Singh,” Oli said.
Former Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said in a post on X, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh, a visionary leader and an extraordinary statesman. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of India. His legacy will inspire generations.”
Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he was saddened to learn of the passing of his former colleague, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
“He was an individual of exceptional intelligence, integrity, and wisdom. Laureen and I wish to convey our condolences to all his family and friends,” he said.
Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed wrote on X that he found the former prime minister as a “benevolent father figure” and a good friend of Maldives.
Former President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa called him a “visionary economist and the architect of India’s economic liberalization”.
Former President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai in a post on X said that India has lost one of its most illustrious sons.
Calling him an “unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan”, Karzai profoundly mourned Singh’s passing and expressed his deepest condolences.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wrote a heartfelt message on X for his “honoured and cherished friend”.
Former Prime Minister of Mauritius Pravind Jugnauth conveyed his condolences. “Saddened by the demise of former PM Manmohan Singh. His vision has not only allowed India to foster enhanced progress, he also had a keen interest in the advancement of friendly countries, including Mauritius. Our prayers are directed towards his family and all those bereaved,” Jugnauth posted on X. (PTI)
