'A Great Man, True Friend': World Leaders Pay Tributes To Ex-PM Manmohan Singh, Laud His Legacy
Manmohan Singh Death: World leaders and diplomats paid tributes to the former prime minister, highlighting his international contributions and legacy as a statesman.
Manmohan Singh Death: After former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday evening heartfelt tributes continue to pour in from world leaders, diplomats, and global figures, highlighting his contributions to India and his legacy as a statesman. The revered leader, credited as the architect of India’s economic reforms, died at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions.
Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, expressing his grief on X, said, “The weight of grief bears down on me at the news of the passing of my honoured and cherished friend: Dr Manmohan Singh.” Recalling their time as finance ministers in the 1990s, Ibrahim described Singh as a steadfast advocate against corruption and a pioneer of transformative policies. He revealed a personal anecdote, stating Singh had offered scholarships to his children during his incarceration, demonstrating “extraordinary humanity and generosity.”
The weight of grief bears down on me at the news of the passing of my honoured and cherished friend: Dr Manmohan Singh.
— Anwar Ibrahim (@anwaribrahim) December 27, 2024
Obituaries, essays and books a plenty there will surely be about this great man, celebrating him as the architect of India’s economic reforms. As Prime… pic.twitter.com/44bA3s7vst
French President Emmanuel Macron also took to X, writing, “India has lost a great man, and France a true friend, in the person of Dr Manmohan Singh. He had devoted his life to his country. Our thoughts are with his family and the people of India.”
India has lost a great man, and France a true friend, in the person of Dr. Manmohan Singh. He had devoted his life to his country. Our thoughts are with his family and the people of India.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 27, 2024
Russian President Vladimir Putin extended condolences on the demise of Manmohan Singh stating, "Manmohan Singh was an outstanding statesman. As Prime Minister and when serving in other high-ranking positions, he accomplished a lot in promoting India’s economic development and asserting its interests on the world stage."
✍️ #Putin: He also made a major personal contribution to strengthening friendly ties between our two countries.
— Russia in India 🇷🇺 (@RusEmbIndia) December 27, 2024
I had the occasion of talking with this remarkable man several times. We will cherish the memory of him.
Read in full 👉🏻 https://t.co/4N3Xiz1F9k https://t.co/3iMhDyp6gR
"He also made a major personal contribution to strengthening friendly ties between our two countries by elevating them to the level of a special privileged strategic partnership. I had the occasion of talking with this remarkable man several times. We will cherish the memory of him," he was quoted as saying by the Russian Embassy.
Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake also praised the former prime minister as a "visionary leader" whose influence "transcended national boundaries". He pointed to policies like the Right to Education Act and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme as reflecting his steadfast commitment to equity and inclusivity.
"A tireless advocate of international collaboration, he forged lasting alliances, contributed to coalitions like BRICS, and showcased remarkable diplomacy through achievements such as the Indo-US nuclear agreement. His humility, intellect, and dedication to public service will forever inspire future generations," he added.
On behalf of the people of Sri Lanka and myself, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Republic of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh's family, and his countless admirers worldwide. A visionary leader, Dr. Singh’s influence transcended national boundaries. As Prime Minister from 2004…
— Anura Kumara Dissanayake (@anuradisanayake) December 27, 2024
Former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, speaking to news agency ANI, described Singh as a good friend and a visionary leader who played a key role in shaping modern India. “I have known him since 1992...he was a good leader, one of those who made modern India,” Wickremesinghe said.
#WATCH | Delhi: On the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh, former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe says, " I have known him since 1992, I had discussions with him...he has been a good friend...he was a good leader, one of those who made modern India..." pic.twitter.com/6xKoh00CGl
— ANI (@ANI) December 27, 2024
Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli also posted, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former PM of India. A visionary leader, his wisdom, humility, and dedication shaped India and inspired the region. Nepal will forever remember his support for democracy and lasting friendship."
Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former PM of India. A visionary leader, his wisdom, humility, and dedication shaped India and inspired the region. Nepal will forever remember his support for democracy and lasting friendship.
— K P Sharma Oli (@kpsharmaoli) December 27, 2024
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that he is 'saddened' by the passing away of Manmohan Singh. "He played a notable role in improving Pakistan-India bilateral relations during his tenure as Prime Minister. The people and the Government Pakistan extend their heartfelt condolences to Dr. Manmohan Singh’s family, and to the people and the Government of India," he added.
Saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India.
— Ishaq Dar (@MIshaqDar50) December 27, 2024
Born in a village in Pakistan’s Chakwal district, Dr. Singh was a distinguished economist and political leader. He will be remembered for his wisdom and gentle demeanor.
Beyond his remarkable…
Dalai Lama Describes Manmohan Singh As 'Elder Brother'
The Dalai Lama penned a heartfelt letter to Manmohan Singh’s widow, Gursharan Kaur, expressing his condolences. He recalled Singh’s concern and counsel over the years and described him as “like an elder brother”, news agency IANS reported. The Dalai Lama added, “Your husband was motivated by a strong wish to help others. He made a significant contribution to India’s development and prosperity, especially its economic growth, improving the lot of the Indian people. He was also a good friend to the Tibetan people.”
He ended his letter by saying, “We can rejoice that for 92 years he lived a truly meaningful life -- an inspiration to us all.”
US, Russia, China Envoys Pay Tributes To Manmohan Singh
Diplomats from countries including Russia, the US, China, and Iran praised Manmohan Singh’s leadership and contributions. Russian envoy Denis Alipov highlighted Singh’s expertise in economics and his role in strengthening Indo-Russian ties, "It is 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."
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr Manmohan Singh ji and the Indian people.
— Denis Alipov 🇷🇺 (@AmbRus_India) December 26, 2024
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US Ambassador Eric Garcetti lauded the former Prime Minister for initiating a “historic chapter” in US-India relations, particularly through the civil nuclear deal.
Remembering the selfless contributions of our dear friend and former prime minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who set in motion an historic chapter in U.S.-India relations. His dedication to India's growth and prosperity continues to inspire us. Grateful for his leadership and vision.
— U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti (@USAmbIndia) December 27, 2024
Chinese envoy Xu Feihong described Singh as an “outstanding leader who is widely revered by the Indian people,” while the Embassy of Iran lauded his role in fostering historic ties between India and Iran.
Deeply saddened by the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, an outstanding leader who is widely revered by the Indian people. Heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.
— Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) December 27, 2024
Manmohan Singh served as India’s Prime Minister for two terms from 2004 to 2014. His tenure was marked by economic reforms, the signing of the civil nuclear deal with the US, and strengthening India’s global standing.
A state funeral is scheduled for Saturday, with his body kept for public darshan at the All India Congress Committee office in Delhi before cremation near Rajghat in the afternoon.
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