Hours after the death of Bharat Ratan and 10th former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday stated that the ties between the two countries continues to gain from the former leader's vision, which helped prop up expanded cooperation.
In a statement provided by the US State Department, Pompeo clarified, "He recognised early on that the United States and India, based on their shared democratic values, could develop a partnership that would contribute to the economic prosperity and security of the region and the world. Today, our two countries and our bilateral relationship continue to benefit from Prime Minister Vajpayee's vision, which helped promote expanded cooperation."
Pompeo asserted that Vajpayee advocated for India's progress .He also recalled a line that the former prime minister had stated at the US Congress in 2000.
"We know that many Indians will reflect on Prime Minister Vajpayee's many contributions that led to India's rise as a global and economic power. He championed tirelessly for his country's development and demonstrated a devotion to improving the lives of every Indian. Standing before the United States Congress in 2000, he famously characterised US-India ties as a 'natural partnership of shared endeavours," Pompeo further said.
Pompeo added, "The American people and I stand with the people of India as we mourn Prime Minister Vajpayee's passing. Today, we hold the people of India in our thoughts and prayers."
Meanwhile, King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk arrived in New Delhi. He will attend the funeral of former PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The 93-year-old, The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)stalwart, took his last breath to met with his angles at 5.05 pm on Thursday at All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) in New Delhi. Vajpayee ji will be laid to rest at the Smriti Sthal on Friday afternoon.
