Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday mourned the demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, describing him as an “outstanding statesman”.
Dr. Manmohan Singh died of age-related illnesses at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday night. He was 92.
President Putin said in a condolence message that "As Prime Minister and when serving in other high-ranking positions, he accomplished much in promoting India's economic development and asserting its interests on the world stage.
He also did a lot personally to deepen friendly relations between our two countries by promoting them to a special privileged strategic partnership level. I had the pleasure of talking with this fantastic person several times. We will miss him," said the Russian President.
During the day, Russian Ambassador to India Denis Alipov expressed his condolences in connection with the death of Dr Manmohan Singh.
In a post on X, Denis Alipov said, "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. His suave demeanor was always endearing as unquestionable was his expertise as an economist and his commitment to the progress of India. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Dr Manmohan Singh ji and the Indian people."
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, West Punjab (now in Pakistan), Dr Manmohan Singh was a celebrated economist and politician who left an indelible mark as the Prime Minister. He headed the Congress-led government at the Centre from 2004 to 2014.
As the first Sikh to hold the office of PM, Dr Singh's leadership was often credited for steering India through a period of significant economic transformation.
He also remained instrumental in moving the country to the big leagues of global economic majorities.
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