President Joe Biden expressed his deep sorrow over the passing of India's former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. In a statement released by the White House, Biden reflected on Singh's impactful contributions to the relationship between India and the United States.
"Jill and I join the people of India in grieving the loss of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh," Biden said, acknowledging the strategic vision and political courage that Singh brought to the table during his term. Singh, who was at the helm of the Indian government from 2004 to 2014, had a significant role in forging the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement and initiating the first Quad between Indo-Pacific partners—a move that, as Biden noted, "charted pathbreaking progress that will continue to strengthen our nations—and the world—for generations to come."
Biden also shared personal anecdotes from his interactions with Singh during his tenure as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and Vice President. He emphasized the strength of the U.S.-India relationship, considering it one of the most consequential in the world, and hinted at a future of dignity and unlimited potential stemming from their partnership. "As we discussed then, the U.S.-India relationship is among the most consequential in the world. And together, as partners and friends, our nations can unlock a future of dignity and unlimited potential for all of our people," Biden said in the White House statement.
In his concluding remarks, the President re-committed to continue building on the vision to which Singh dedicated his life. Through his efforts, Biden believes firmly that closer U.S.-India ties will bear fruit for both nations and the larger global theatre. He also extended his deepest condolences to Singh's wife, Gursharan Kaur, their children, and the people of India.
