WASHINGTON, DC – Even as tributes poured in from around the world from diplomats and leaders of various nations, Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed deep condolences on the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, describing him as a pivotal figure in strengthening US-India relations.
“The United States offers our sincere condolences to the people of India for the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh,” Blinken said in a statement.
He praised Singh as “one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership,” highlighting his role in advancing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. “His leadership signified a major investment in the potential of the US-India relationship,” Blinken added.
Blinken also acknowledged Singh’s domestic legacy, noting that his economic reforms spurred India’s rapid growth. “We mourn Dr. Singh’s passing and will always remember his dedication to bringing the United States and India closer together,” he concluded.
Dr. Manmohan Singh, born in Punjab in 1932, served as Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014. A two-term leader, he led India after the Congress Party’s victory in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections and was re-elected in 2009. He retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after a 33-year tenure