US President Joe Biden hails Manmohan Singh's pivotal role in strengthening US-India ties

Pic/PTI

Mourning the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, US President Joe Biden has called him "a true statesman" and credited his strategic vision and political courage for the unprecedented level of bilateral cooperation.

Singh, who was India's prime minister for 10 years from 2004 to 2014 died in New Delhi on Thursday night. He was 92.

"The unprecedented level of cooperation between the United States and India today would not have been possible without the Prime Minister's strategic vision and political courage," Biden said in a statement as he and the First Lady, Jill Biden, joined the people of India in grieving the loss of the former prime minister.

"The unprecedented level of cooperation between the United States and India today would not have been possible without the Prime Minister's strategic vision and political courage. From forging the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement to helping launch the first Quad between Indo-Pacific partners, he charted path-breaking progress that will continue to strengthen our nations and the world for generations to come. He was a true statesman. A dedicated public servant. And above all, he was a kind and humble person," Biden said.

The outgoing US President said he had the chance to meet Prime Minister Singh as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in 2008 and as Vice President during his Official State Visit to the United States in 2009.

"He also graciously hosted me in New Delhi in 2013. As we discussed then, the US-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.

"As we discussed then, the US-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," he continued, as per the statement.

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

Singh, who passed away on Thursday night due to age-related medical conditions, is remembered for his role in shaping India's modern economic landscape. His legacy includes the economic liberalisation reforms he introduced as Finance Minister in 1991, which opened India's economy to global markets.

During his tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Singh worked to strengthen India's global standing, especially in its relationship with the United States, and foster regional cooperation through initiatives like BRICS.