Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92, was honoured by global leaders for his transformative impact on India and its international relations.
Tributes highlighted Singh’s exceptional contributions to India’s economic growth and diplomatic ties, underscoring his legacy as a statesman who significantly elevated the nation’s standing on the global stage.
German Ambassador to India and Bhutan, Philipp Ackermann, expressed his sorrow on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Saddened by the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh. A truly visionary politician, he opened India to the world and shaped the country’s future for decades to come. Together with Chancellor Angela Merkel, he raised the strategic partnership between India and Germany to new heights.
Saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh.
A truly visionary politician, he opened India to the world and shaped the country’s future for decades to come.
Together with Chancellor Angela Merkel, he raised the strategic partnership between India and Germany to new heights. pic.twitter.com/rGV4PgHjsc
— Dr Philipp Ackermann (@AmbAckermann) December 27, 2024
Acknowledging Singh’s leadership in fostering strong international relationships, the French Embassy in India shared a heartfelt messageon X: “Deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh. A statesman admired worldwide, he leaves behind a legacy of compassion and progress. His leadership bolstered India’s global standing and strengthened bonds with France.
Deepest condolences to the family and friends of former Prime Minister of India, Dr #ManmohanSingh.
A statesman admired worldwide, he leaves behind a legacy of compassion and progress. His leadership bolstered India’s global standing and strengthened bonds with France. pic.twitter.com/F0GCkhZlvB
— French Embassy in India
(@FranceinIndia) December 27, 2024
Singh’s pivotal role in establishing a Strategic Partnership between India and Australia in 2009 was recognised by Philip Green, Australia’s High Commissioner to India. He noted: “Dr Manmohan Singh ji played such an important role in India opening itself to the world. His government elevated the relationship to Strategic Partnership in 2009. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones.”
Dr Manmohan Singh ji played such an important role in India opening itself to the world. His govt elevated the
relationship to Strategic Partnership in 2009. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and loved ones. #ManmohanSingh #OmShanti #ManmohanSinghRIP pic.twitter.com/9v5PRiBwoC
— Philip Green OAM (@AusHCIndia) December 27, 2024
The United Kingdom also paid tribute, with British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron reflecting on Singh’s remarkable achievements. She wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh ji. We will remember him as a great Prime Minister, Finance Minister and global statesman who advanced India’s interests through bold economic reforms and played a key role in putting India in its rightful place on the world stage and stabilising the global economy after the financial crisis.
Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh ji. We will remember him as a great Prime Minister, Finance Minister and global statesman who advanced India’s interests through bold economic reforms and played a key role in putting putting India in its rightful place… pic.twitter.com/XNOZO9m3TH
— Lindy Cameron (@Lindy_Cameron) December 27, 2024
Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, expressed his condolences on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “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.”
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
Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, mourned the loss, writing, “I was saddened to hear about the passing of former PM Manmohan Singh. A great leader in the history of the great nation of India. Under his leadership, Israel-India relations reached new heights. Our
thoughts and prayers are with the Singh family and the Indian People during this time of sorrow. May he rest in peace.”
I was saddened to hear about the passing of former PM #ManmohanSingh.
A great leader in the history of the great nation of India. Under his leadership,–
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Singh family and with the Indian People during this…—
US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, also honored Singh’s legacy, stating, “Remembering the selfless contributions of our dear friend and former prime minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, who set in motion an historic chapter in US-India relations. His dedication to India’s growth and prosperity continues to inspire us. Grateful for his leadership and vision.”
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
Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, reflected on Singh’s contributions to bilateral relations, sharing, “It is a moment of poignant sorrow and grief for India and for Russia. Dr Manmohan Singh’s contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable… Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr Manmohan Singh ji and the Indian people.”
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. pic.twitter.com/rxjUQsFgj5
— Denis Alipov
(@AmbRus_India) December 26, 2024
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid tribute to Singh, emphasising his pivotal role in strengthening India-US relations. “The United States offers our sincere condolences to the people of India for the passing of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Dr Singh
was one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership, and his work laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades,” Blinken said.
Manmohan Singh passed away at AIIMS, Delhi, on Thursday evening at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions. He had a sudden loss of consciousness at home after which he was rushed to the AIIMS Delhi.
Singh, renowned for introducing the 1991 economic liberalisation reforms as the Finance Minister of India, will be cremated near Rajghat, at the location where the last rites of Prime Ministers are performed. Manmohan Singh was born on September 26, 1932. Apart from being an economist, Manmohan Singh served as Reserve Bank of India governor from 1982-1985. He was the 13th PM of India with his tenure from 2004-2014 and was the longest-serving PM after Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
