Joe Biden extends condolences to the family of the former prime minister of India Manmohan Singh who died on December 26, 2024 at 92 years. Hailed as ‘a true statesman’ and ‘The Architect of India’s Economic Reforms,’ Singh’s contributions to India’s progress both in the capabilities of PM Narendra Modi’s administration and India’s relations with the United States were recalled by President Biden.
In his statement Biden also noted Singh’s contribution to the implementation of the economic liberalization in 1991 that pulled India out of the financial mess. He commended Singh for political courage and strategic political vision which will bring the first-ever type of partnership between two countries –USA and India. “What was once a very strained relationship between the two nations today has proved to be a strong one and that owes much to him,” Biden observed.
Some significant goals set after the election of Singh as the Prime minister of India including the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement besides the first Quad alliance were identified as historical measures. Biden also remembered to have met Singh in 2008 when the latter was the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations committee; during the state visit by the Indian Prime Minister in July 2009; and in New Delhi in December 2013.
In those encounters, Biden said that Singh promoted the U.S.-India partnership as being among the most significant in the world. This vision was confirmed by the President who sees the future of the people of two countries as ‘dignified and boundless’.
Biden expressed his deepest condolences to Singh’s family that includes his wife Gursharan Kaur along with sons and daughter, and to the people of India. “Jill and I would like to send our thoughts during this dark period,” he said.
Singh was India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and led the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance both first and second terms. His has left an impact on numerous large scale economic changes and the enhancement of international relations.
The Indian government has announced a seven days mourning in observance of the death of the prime minister till January 1 with all Indian flags flying at half mast in the country and Indian envoys abroad.
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