US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden joined the global chorus of tributes pouring in for former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26 in New Delhi at the age of 92. In a deeply emotional statement, President Biden honored Singh’s legacy as a visionary leader, a statesman of rare integrity, and a humble individual whose dedication to public service profoundly shaped India and its relations with the world.
The White House statement described Dr. Singh as a pivotal figure in modern Indian history, whose tenure as the country’s first Sikh Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 laid the foundation for a robust and unprecedented partnership between the United States and India. Biden credited Singh's strategic foresight and political courage for the transformative growth in bilateral ties, emphasizing that the strong cooperation seen today owes much to his leadership. "The unprecedented level of cooperation between the United States and India would not have been possible without the Prime Minister’s vision and resolve," Biden said.
Highlighting Singh’s instrumental role in forging the landmark US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, Biden noted that this achievement was not merely about energy but a symbol of trust and mutual respect between the two democracies. Singh's contributions to the launch of the Quad initiative, which brought together Indo-Pacific partners to address global challenges, were also acknowledged as milestones in his statesmanship. "He charted a path of progress that will continue to strengthen our nations and the world for generations to come," Biden remarked.
Biden’s personal reflections added a heartfelt dimension to his tribute. He recalled his first meeting with Dr. Singh in 2008 when he chaired the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The two leaders deepened their dialogue during Singh's state visit to the United States in 2009 when Biden served as Vice President. Biden also fondly remembered being hosted by Singh in New Delhi in 2013, where their discussions underscored the importance of the US-India relationship as one of the most consequential in the world. "Together, as partners and friends, our nations can unlock a future of dignity and unlimited potential for all our people," he added.
Singh’s humility and kindness were central themes in Biden’s tribute, with the President describing him as a true statesman who always placed the well-being of others above personal or political considerations. First Lady Jill Biden echoed these sentiments, expressing deep sympathy for Singh’s widow, Gursharan Kaur, their three children, and the people of India. "During this difficult time, we recommit to the vision to which Prime Minister Singh dedicated his life," the Bidens declared, reaffirming the bond of friendship and shared values between the two nations.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s passing has elicited an outpouring of grief and admiration from leaders across the globe, reflecting his stature as a leader who commanded respect far beyond India’s borders. Widely credited with liberalizing India’s economy in the early 1990s as Finance Minister, Singh’s policies helped transform the country into an emerging global powerhouse. As Prime Minister, he navigated India through periods of rapid economic growth, social change, and global integration, leaving an indelible mark on the nation’s development.
His death marks the end of an era in Indian politics, and his legacy as an architect of modern India and a champion of global cooperation will continue to inspire future generations. The world mourns the loss of a leader whose life exemplified dedication, humility, and the unwavering pursuit of progress and harmony.
