US President Joe Biden paid a heartfelt tribute to former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, calling him a “true statesman,” a “kind and humble person,” and a “dedicated public servant.”
Dr Singh, who passed away at 92 on Thursday night at AIIMS in New Delhi, was renowned as the “Architect of India’s Economic Reforms.” He served as India’s 14th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, leaving an indelible mark on India’s economy and diplomacy.
In an official statement, President Joe Biden said, “Jill and I join the people of India in mourning the loss of Dr. Manmohan Singh.” He credited the former Prime Minister’s leadership for transforming Indo-US relations, citing milestones like the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement and the foundation of the Quad alliance.
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Biden emphasized that Dr. Singh’s vision and courage paved the way for the unprecedented US-India cooperation seen today. “He was a true statesman and a dedicated public servant. Above all, he was kind and humble,” Biden added.
Reflecting on their personal meetings, Biden recalled interactions with Dr. Singh during his tenure as Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman in 2008 and Vice President in 2009. He also mentioned being hosted by Dr Singh in New Delhi in 2013.
“Dr. Singh believed in the US-India relationship as one of the world’s most consequential partnerships,” Biden noted. He extended condolences to Gursharan Kaur, their family, and the people of India, reaffirming the shared vision Dr. Singh championed.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed sorrow, describing Dr Singh as a champion of the US-India partnership. He highlighted Singh’s role in advancing civil nuclear cooperation and fostering India’s economic growth.
Blinken said, “We mourn his passing and will always honour his efforts to bring the United States and India closer.”