Washington: US President Joe Biden acknowledged former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s contributions to international collaboration and US-India ties while expressing his sorrow for his demise.

In a White House statement, President Biden said, “Jill and I join the people of India in grieving the loss of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.”

“Without the prime minister’s political bravery and strategic vision, the United States and India would not have been able to work together at this unprecedented level today. He paved the way for historic advancements that will continue to fortify our countries—and the world—for future generations, from negotiating the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement to assisting in the first Quad with Indo-Pacific allies. He really was a statesman. An ardent public servant. Above all, he was a modest and gentle individual.

Biden also recounted his encounters with Singh at pivotal points in their careers. During Prime Minister Singh’s official state visit to the United States in 2009, I had the opportunity to meet him both as Vice President and as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 2008. In 2013, he also warmly welcomed me in New Delhi.
“The relationship between the United States and India is one of the most important in the world, as we mentioned back then. According to the statement, he went on, “And together, as partners and friends, our nations can unlock a future of dignity and unlimited potential for all of our people.”

Singh is renowned for his contribution to the development of India’s contemporary economic environment. He died on Thursday night from age-related illnesses. The economic liberalization measures he implemented in 1991 while serving as finance minister, which exposed India’s economy to international markets, are part of his legacy.

Singh served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, during which time he promoted regional cooperation via programs like BRICS and attempted to improve India’s status internationally, particularly in reference to the United States.

Singh will be cremated close to Rajghat, where a number of well-known Indian figures are buried.

“During this difficult time, we recommit to this vision to which Prime Minister Singh dedicated his life,” Biden said. “And Jill and I send our deepest condolences to former First Lady Gursharan Kaur, their three children, and all the people of India.”