New Delhi, Dec 27 (UNI) More condolence messages and tributes poured in from foreign leaders on the passing away of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, with Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim penning a moving tribute, and other leaders including the Portuguese PM, Seychelles President and the Pakistan Deputy PM too paying tribute.
Malaysia PM Anwar Ibrahim wrote a moving tribute on the passing away of his “mitra, my bhai”.
“The weight of grief bears down on me at the news of the passing of my honoured and cherished friend: Dr Manmohan Singh.
“Obituaries, essays and books a plenty there will surely be about this great man, celebrating him as the architect of India’s economic reforms. As Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh was the midwife of India’s emergence as one of the world’s economic giants.
“I had the rare privilege of witnessing the early years of these transformative policies first-hand while we both served as finance ministers during the 1990s. We shared a fervent commitment to the war against corruption — even collaborating on unravelling a major case.
“The praise that will follow in the days ahead will be truly well-deserved. Dr Manmohan Singh, slightly awkward as a politician but undeniably upright, steadfast and resolute as a statesman, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
“To me, he will be all that and much more. Not many people know this, and it is time that I share it with Malaysians: during the years of my incarceration, he extended a kindness that he didn’t have to — one that was neither politically expedient nor, as one can imagine, appreciated by the Malaysian government at that time. Yet, true to his character, he did it anyway. He offered scholarships for my children, particularly my son, Ihsan. Although I had declined the gracious offer, such a gesture undoubtedly showed his extraordinary humanity and generosity, demonstrative, as the Bard would have it, of a man so full of “the milk of human kindness”.
“In those dark days, as I navigated the labyrinth of imprisonment, he stood by me as a true friend. Such acts of quiet magnanimity defined him, and they will remain etched in my heart forever.
“Goodbye, my mitra, my bhai, Manmohan.”
The Portugal PM Luis Montenegro wrote on X:
“I deeply regret the passing away of former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh. A life dedicated to his country, a reference in the international concert of nations.
“The Government of Portugal offers its condolences to the family and the Indian people.
The Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong posted:
“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.”
The Pakistan Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar posted:
“Saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India.
“Born in a village in Pakistan’s Chakwal district, Dr. Singh was a distinguished economist and political leader. He will be remembered for his wisdom and gentle demeanor.
“Beyond his remarkable achievements in the field of economics, Dr. Singh demonstrated a commitment to promoting regional peace. His approach to regional issues reflected his belief that mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation were essential for collective progress. He played a notable role in improving Pakistan-India bilateral relations during his tenure as Prime Minister.
“The people and the Government Pakistan extend their heartfelt condolences to Dr. Manmohan Singh’s family, and to the people and the Government of India.”
The Seychelles President Wavel Ramkalawan posted:
“Former Prime Minister Singh’s notable achievements have left a lasting legacy that continues to influence the lives of many citizens of India to this day. The commendable economic growth experienced during his tenure laid the foundation to the economic success of India, which greatly improved the quality of lives of the people of India, especially those in rural areas.
“We recognise the significant contribution of former Prime Minister Singh in further strengthening the strong partnership that exists between Seychelles and India. As We faced the scourge of piracy in the Indian Ocean, former Prime Minister Singh stood alongside Seychelles in bolstering maritime security in Seychelles’ territorial waters and the broader Western Indian Ocean. The unwavering support provided by India towards Seychelles’ socio-economic development over the years is testament to the former Prime Minister’s commitment to maintaining India’s status as a key partner to Seychelles.
“On the international front, the former Prime Minister Singh will be most notably remembered for his efforts to enhance India’s diplomatic ties with several countries, including Seychelles, and for establishing economic partnerships that have immensely benefited India’s global position.”
UNI RN