US President Joe Biden has expressed deep condolences on the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. In an official statement issued by the White House on Saturday, Biden paid tribute to the contributions of Manmohan Singh.
Biden called Manmohan Singh a true politician
President Biden said,
“Jill and I join the people of India in mourning the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. The unprecedented US-India cooperation today would not have been possible without the strategic vision and political courage of Manmohan Singh.”
Biden praised the historic efforts made under the leadership of Dr. Singh. He said that from the US-India civil nuclear agreement to the beginning of the Quad partnership, Manmohan Singh took steps that strengthened the relationship between the two countries. Biden remembered Manmohan Singh as “a true statesman, a dedicated public servant and a humble man.”
Memories of Biden’s meetings with Manmohan Singh
President Biden also recalled personal meetings with Dr. Singh in his statement. He said:
“During his official visits as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 2008 and as Vice President in 2009, I had the opportunity to meet him. He welcomed me respectfully in New Delhi in 2013. Our discussions further strengthened US-India relations.”
Biden further said that his leadership and vision will keep the world strong for generations to come.
Condolences to family and India
President Biden expressed his deepest condolences to Gursharan Kaur and her family. He said,
“Jill and I offer our condolences to former First Lady Gursharan Kaur, her three children, and the people of India.”
Highlighting the contribution of Manmohan Singh
Dr. Manmohan Singh is known for the landmark economic reforms implemented during the Narasimha Rao government in 1991.
- He opened India’s economy to global markets.
- Gave a new direction to the country by ending the License Raj.
- During his tenure, historic laws like MGNREGA, RTI, and RTE were implemented, which had a deep impact on the lives of millions of Indians.
Manmohan Singh’s commendable career
- Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1982–1985): During his tenure, he took the economy to new heights.
- Padma Vibhushan (1987): He was given this prestigious honor for his service to the country.
- 10-year tenure as Prime Minister (2004–2014): He led the country through a period of transformational change.
Dr. Manmohan Singh retired from active politics this year and ended his service as a Rajya Sabha member for 33 years.
India and the world lost a great leader
There is a wave of mourning not only in India but across the world due to the demise of Manmohan Singh. His leadership abilities, vision and service will always be remembered.