Leaders from across the globe, including neighbouring nations have paid tributes to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, emphasising his legacy as a statesman and visionary leader. They have shared heartfelt condolences, remembering his exceptional contributions to economic progress and diplomacy.
US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken expressed his heartfelt condolences to the people of India on behalf of his country. He remembered Dr Singh as a pivotal architect of Indo-US ties and called him one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership.
In an official statement, Mr. Blinken remarked, that Dr. Singh’s work laid the foundation for much of what India and US have accomplished together in the past two decades. It said Dr Singh’s leadership in advancing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signified a major investment in the U.S.-India relationship. The statement added that Dr Singh will be remembered for his economic reforms that spurred India’s rapid economic growth.
Brazilian President Lula da Silva recalled Manmohan Singh’s contribution in setting up of IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Dialogue Forum and the BRICS grouping. Calling Manmohan Singh his friend, Mr Lula conveyed his heartfelt sympathy to the people of India. Mr Lula said, he and Manmohan Singh were government contemporaries in the first decade of the 21st century and worked together to grow relations between their countries and build a fairer world. Mr. Lula recalled his interactions with the former PM which largely focussed on the issues of development in both countries. He recalled his meeting with Dr Singh in 2012, when he was no longer a President and reminisced their talks about development, combating poverty and hunger, and cooperation in the Global South.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai wrote on social media that India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. He described Dr Singh as an unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan. Mourning Dr Singh’s demise, he prayed for eternal peace to his soul.
Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed also shared his grief on social media, portraying Dr Singh as a benevolent father figure and a cherished friend of the Maldives.
Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, highlighted the former Prime Minister’s significant contributions to Indo-Russian relations. He stated on social media that it was a moment of poignant sorrow and grief for India and Russia. He said Dr Manmohan Singh’s contribution to India-Russia bilateral ties is immeasurable.
Nepal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba extended condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Nepal. She said in a post on social media, Dr. Manmohan Singh was a visionary leader and a true statesman, his contributions to India’s development and global diplomacy will be remembered forever.
Abdulla Shahid, President of the Maldivian Democratic Party also extended condolences on the demise of former PM.
The Ambassadors of Finland, Korea, Norway to India have also condoled the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh with messages on social media.
