Outgoing US President Joe Biden has paid tribute to former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, describing him as a “true statesman” and a “dedicated public servant.” Dr. Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and played a pivotal role in India’s 1991 economic reforms, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92.
In a statement on Friday, President Biden highlighted Dr. Singh’s “strategic vision and political courage,” which he credited as instrumental in fostering the unprecedented level of cooperation between the United States and India seen today.
Biden reflected on Dr. Singh’s significant contributions, such as the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement and the establishment of the first Quad partnership among Indo-Pacific nations, noting that these milestones laid the groundwork for progress that will benefit both countries and the world for generations.
Under Dr. Singh’s leadership and during the tenure of then-US President George W. Bush, India and the US agreed in 2005 to collaborate on civil nuclear energy. After extensive negotiations, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) approved a safeguards agreement with India in August 2008. Subsequently, the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) granted India a waiver on September 6, 2008, enabling the country to engage in civilian nuclear trade and access technology and fuel from other nations.
Biden also fondly remembered his interactions with Dr. Singh, including their meetings as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 2008, during Singh’s state visit to the US in 2009 when Biden was Vice President, and his 2013 visit to New Delhi as Singh’s guest. Biden reiterated the importance of the US-India partnership, describing it as one of the most consequential relationships globally, and expressed hope for a shared future of dignity and limitless potential for the people of both nations.
“During this difficult time, we recommit to the vision to which Prime Minister Singh dedicated his life,” Biden said, extending his deepest condolences, alongside First Lady Jill Biden, to Dr. Singh’s wife, Gursharan Kaur, their three children, and the people of India.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s last rites will take place today at Nigambodh Ghat, a public cremation ground in Delhi, with full state honors. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other prominent leaders are expected to attend the funeral.
