Fri Dec 27 06:28:12 UTC 2024: ## India Mourns the Passing of Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
**New Delhi, December 26, 2024** – Former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday at the age of 92 due to age-related causes. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from across the globe, celebrating his legacy as a key architect of India’s economic reforms and a respected statesman.
Dr. Singh served two terms as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, leading the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government. He is widely credited with spearheading the liberalization of India’s economy, driving significant economic growth.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken lauded Dr. Singh as “one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership,” emphasizing his pivotal role in advancing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement. Blinken noted that Dr. Singh’s work laid “the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades.”
Condolences also poured in from numerous world leaders, including former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper who described Dr. Singh as a man of “exceptional intelligence, integrity, and wisdom.” Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai remembered him as an “unwavering ally and friend” to the Afghan people. Similar sentiments were expressed by former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, who called Dr. Singh a “benevolent father figure,” and former Brazilian President Lula da Silva, who highlighted their collaboration on initiatives like the IBSA Dialogue Forum and BRICS. Tributes also came from Nepal, Sri Lanka, and various embassies, including those of Finland and South Korea.
Dr. Singh’s last rites will be conducted with full state honors, and a seven-day state mourning will be observed across India to honor his significant contributions to the nation.
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