- By Deeksha Gour
- Fri, 27 Dec 2024 08:00 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Manmohan Singh News: Tributes have poured in worldwide following the death of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Leaders from neighbouring countries, including Afghanistan and the Maldives, have expressed their sorrow, recognising his significant contributions and the strong ties he fostered with their nations.
Hamid Karzai, the former President of Afghanistan, shared his condolences on X. He stated, "India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. Dr Manmohan Singh was a steadfast ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan. I deeply mourn his passing and send my heartfelt sympathies to his family, the government, and the people of India. May his soul find eternal peace."
#India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. #Dr_Manmohan_Singh was an unwavering ally and friend to the people of #Afghanistan. I profoundly mourn his passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family, the government, and the people of India.
— Hamid Karzai (@KarzaiH) December 26, 2024
May his soul find… pic.twitter.com/ZrY5bCFVIR
The former Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper, also shared his condolences, reflecting on Singh’s legacy. In his post, Harper described Singh as a leader of “exceptional intelligence, integrity, and wisdom” and conveyed his condolences to Singh’s family and friends. He wrote, “Laureen and I wish to convey our condolences to all his family and friends.”
Mohamed Nasheed, the former President of the Maldives, also expressed his sadness on X, describing Singh as a "benevolent father figure" and a true friend of the Maldives. Nasheed said, "It is so sad to hear that Manmohan Singh has passed away. I always found him a delight to work with, and like a paternal figure."
So sad to hear Manmohan Singh has passed. I always found him a delight to work with, and like a benevolent father figure. He was a good friend of the Maldives. @HCIMaldives pic.twitter.com/I0vnfimKpl
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) December 26, 2024
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also honoured Dr Singh, recognising his significant role in strengthening ties between India and the United States. In a statement, Blinken said, “The United States offers our sincere condolences to the people of India for the passing of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. 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 also praised Singh for his leadership, particularly in advancing economic reforms in India.
Denis Alipov, the Russian Ambassador to India, shared his thoughts, noting that Singh's passing is a moment of deep sorrow for both India and Russia. He stated on X, "This is a moment of poignant sorrow and grief for India and for Russia. Dr Manmohan Singh's contributions to our bilateral ties were immeasurable. His suave demeanour was always endearing, as was his expertise as an economist and his commitment to India's progress."
It is moment of poignant sorrow and grief for India and for Russia. Dr Manmohan Singh‘s contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable. His suave demeanor was always endearing as unquestionable was his expertise as an economist and his commitment to the progress of India. pic.twitter.com/rxjUQsFgj5
— Denis Alipov 🇷🇺 (@AmbRus_India) December 26, 2024
When Barack Obama Praised Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
In the memoirs of world leaders, he is remembered for his impactful role in transforming India’s economy. Former U.S. President Barack Obama, in his book A Promised Land, praised Singh for modernising India’s economy. Obama described him as "a gentle, soft-spoken economist" with a "white beard and a turban", which gave him an air of wisdom.
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Reflecting on Singh's tenure as Finance Minister in the 1990s, Obama noted that Singh lifted millions out of poverty. He stated, "Throughout his time as Prime Minister, I found Singh to be wise, thoughtful and scrupulously honest." Obama credited Singh with leading India towards a market-based economy, which unleashed the entrepreneurial talents of the Indian people, resulting in soaring growth rates, a booming high-tech sector and a growing middle class.
Dr Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions, as confirmed by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating that India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders.
(With ANI Inputs)