New Delhi, Dec 27: Condolences poured in from world leaders on the passing away of former PM Manmohan Singh, with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Japanese PM Shigeru Ishiba, Brazilian President Lula da Silva, and closer home Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli, Sri Lankan PM Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and others offering tributes.

Russian President Putin in a message offered condolences to President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi and the people of India.

“Manmohan Singh was an outstanding statesman. As Prime Minister and when serving in other high-ranking positions, he accomplished a lot in promoting India’s economic development and asserting its interests on the world stage. He also made a major personal contribution to strengthening friendly ties between our two countries by elevating them to the level of a special privileged strategic partnership.

“I had the occasion of talking with this remarkable man several times. We will cherish the memory of him,” the Russian President said.

Japanese PM Ishiba and Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya sent letters of condolences to their respective Indian counterparts, “expressing sincere condolences and paying tribute to Dr. Singh for his endeavors which built the foundation for the development of Japan-India relations of today.”

Brazilian President Lula da Silva in his message on X said:

“My condolences on the passing of my friend, former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh. We were contemporaries in government in the first decade of the 21st century and worked together to strengthen relations between our countries and build a fairer world.

“Singh was involved in the creation of IBSA, bringing together Brazil, South Africa and India, and in the founding of BRICS. In 2012, when he was no longer president, we met in New Delhi and talked a lot about development, combating poverty and hunger, and cooperation in the Global South.

“My heartfelt sympathy to the people of India, family, friends and companions of Manmohan Singh.”

Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli posted on X: “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former PM of India. A visionary leader, his wisdom, humility, and dedication shaped India and inspired the region. Nepal will forever remember his support for democracy and lasting friendship.”

Sri Lankan PM Anura Kumara Dissanayake posted on X: “A visionary leader, Dr. Singh’s influence transcended national boundaries. As Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, his transformative policies, like the Right to Education Act and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, reflected his steadfast commitment to equity and inclusivity.

“A tireless advocate of international collaboration, he forged lasting alliances, contributed to coalitions like BRICS, and showcased remarkable diplomacy through achievements such as the Indo-US nuclear agreement. His humility, intellect, and dedication to public service will forever inspire future generations. May his soul find peace and be united with the divine.”

Maldives President Mohd Muizzu in his message said: “…His historic visit to the Maldives in November 2011 marked a significant milestone in advancing our economic and social development. Dr. Singh’s commitment to progress, and his leadership to strengthen ‘Look East Policy’ played a pivotal role in fostering development and cooperation across the South Asia region.”

Bhutan PM Tshering Tobgay said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, a remarkable statesman and a cherished friend of Bhutan. His wisdom, compassion, and leadership touched many lives, and also strengthened the bond between our two countries.

“India’s loss is immense, and his legacy will remain in our hearts forever. On behalf of the Royal Government and people of Bhutan, we offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, the people of India, and all those mourning his passing.”

Bangladesh Interim Government Chief Advisor Mohammed Yunus condoled the passing away of former PM Manmohan Singh, who was a close friend of the Chief Adviser.

He described Manmohan Singh, as a person of great humility, a visionary leader, a statesman, who was known for his unwavering commitment to ensuring the welfare of the people of India.

He said that the late Prime Minister will be remembered for his contributions to India’s economic transformation. Dr Singh’s leadership not only shaped the future of India but also contributed to strengthening the bond of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between Bangladesh and India.

The Chief Advisor said Manmohan Singh’s role in promoting regional cooperation “highlighted the late leader’s vision and firm commitment to regional peace, prosperity and role in advancing South Asian cooperation. He urged the South Asian countries to work together to build on the rich legacy of his ideas and work as a tribute to Dr. Manmohan Singh.

Muhammad Yunus also mentioned the warm congratulatory message the late Indian Prime Minister sent on the occasion of Yunus’ winning the Nobel Peace Prize in October 2006. He also recalled his meetings with Dr. Singh in January 2007 in New Delhi and later in December 2009 as Professor Yunus was invited to deliver the 2nd Prof. Hiren Mukerjee Annual Parliamentary Lecture which was attended by members of both houses including the Speaker of the Rajya Sabha.

Lindy Cameron, UK High Commissioner, in a post said:

“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. The UK will always be proud of his invaluable partnership with three UK Prime Ministers, and proud of him as an alumnus of two of our great universities. My thoughts and wishes are with his family and the people of India.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, and Mauritius PM Navin Ramgoolam have also expressed their condolences.

UNI