World leaders condole former Indian PM Manmohan Singh’s demise

Several world leaders, including American Secretary of State Antony Blinken, remembered former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Thursday.

In his condolence message, Blinken wrote: “The United States offers our sincere condolences to the people of India for the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.”

Blinken said Singh was one of the ‘greatest champions’ of the US-India strategic partnership.

Blinken said: “His leadership in advancing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signified a major investment in the potential of the US-India relationship.”

Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai said India had lost one of its ‘illustrious sons’ with the death of Singh, who is also considered as the economic architect of the country in the 90s.

“#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. May his soul find eternal peace,” the former Afghanistan President wrote on X.

Condoling Singh’s death, Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed said: “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.”

Russian envoy to India Denis Alipov said: “It is a 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.”

Singh, who served as the Prime Minister of India for two terms, died at the age of 92.

Manmohan Singh rose to prominence as the country’s finance minister during the Congress regime headed by PV Narasimha Rao during 1991-96, for bringing sweeping reforms that transformed the economy.

As the two-term UPA Prime Minister, he stayed at the top post from 2004 to 2014 and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha till early this year.

He retired from the Rajya Sabha in April.

The Indian government on Friday announced the country will observe a state mourning for seven days from 26.12.2024 to 01.01.2025.

“During this period the National flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning. It has also been decided that the state funeral will be accorded to late Dr. Manmohan Singh,” the Indian government said in a statement.

In the same period, the National flag shall also fly half-mast on the day of funeral in all Indian Missions or High Commissions of India abroad.