‘Manmohan Singh risked his political future for US-India ties’: Condoleezza Rice

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (File photo)

NEW DELHI: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh played a pivotal role in placing US-India relations on a “fundamentally new footing” with the landmark 2008 Civil Nuclear Deal between the two nations, former US secretary of state Condoleezza Rice said.
Singh, who served as prime minister for two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2014 died on Thursday night in New Delhi’s AIIMS. He is also remembered as a transformative economist who reshaped the country’s economic and geopolitical trajectory.
Condoleezza Rice paid tribute to Singh on X, calling him “a great man and a great leader.” Reflecting on his leadership during the historic nuclear deal, she said, “Prime Minister Singh risked his political future and then remade his government to gain the support needed to secure a deal that would ultimately change the geopolitical trajectory of the region and have far-reaching implications for decades to come. I extend my deepest condolences to the people of India for this great loss—may he rest in eternal peace.”

Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi also honoured Singh’s memory, saying, “He played a key role in both modernising India’s economy and strengthening ties with the United States. His vision for a better India and a better world will continue.”
Gita Gopinath, first deputy managing director of the International Monetary Fund, pointed out Singh’s economic legacy. Writing on X, she mentioned that his 1991 budget “unshackled India’s economy, significantly enhancing the economic prospects for hundreds of millions of Indians,” adding that his visionary reforms inspired countless young economists like her.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described Singh’s passing as a loss for India and the world. “As one of its longest-serving leaders, he transformed the country’s economy, lifted millions out of poverty, and built strong bridges with the world—including Canada,” Trudeau said.

The USA India Chamber of Commerce (USAIC) also remembered Singh fondly. USAIC President Karun Rishi recalled receiving Singh’s message of support for its inaugural BioPharma Summit in 2007, saying, “He was a great human being, visionary, outstanding leader, and a statesman. Dr Singh laid a strong foundation for taking the US-India relationship to the next level.”
Ronak D Desai, a leading practitioner at Paul Hastings law firm, described Singh’s death as “the conclusion of a pivotal chapter in modern Indian history.”
To honour Singh’s memory, the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, announced a condolence book would be available for public signatures on January 30 and 31, 2025.
“Members of the public are invited to sign the book and add brief written condolences from 1000 – 1700 hours. on 30 and 31 January 2025 at the Embassy of India, 2107 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington DC,” a media release said.