Washington: The US-India Business Council (USIBC) has praised former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh for his pivotal role in enhancing US-India relations, describing him as an "architect of the modern bilateral relationship."

In an official statement, the USIBC, which represents a vast network of top global companies operating in the US, India, and the Indo-Pacific region, expressed its heartfelt condolences to Dr. Singh's family and the people of India following his passing at the age of 92.

Dr. Manmohan Singh was instrumental in strengthening US-India relations, modernizing their partnership, and guiding both nations toward a shared trajectory of strategic, economic, and technological progress," stated USIBC President Ambassador (Retd) Atul Keshap.

Keshap highlighted Dr. Singh's sustained leadership in achieving the landmark India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008, which ended decades of nuclear isolation for India. The agreement marked a turning point, enabling civilian nuclear cooperation and positioning India as a responsible nuclear power on the global stage.

US Offers Condolences on the Passing of Former Indian PM Manmohan Singh

San Francisco: The United States has also expressed heartfelt condolences on the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken paid tribute to Singh, describing him as "one of the greatest advocates of the US-India strategic partnership." In his message, Blinken extended sincere sympathies to the people of India, emphasizing the late leader's pivotal role in strengthening ties between the two countries. He highlighted Singh's leadership in advancing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement as a transformative step that unlocked the potential of the bilateral relationship.

Beyond nuclear diplomacy, Dr. Singh's economic reforms in 1991 also drew attention. As Finance Minister, he spearheaded India's liberalization, which transformed the nation’s economy by opening it to global trade and investment. This era of reform laid the foundation for India’s economic rise and strengthened its position in international relations.

The India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement also facilitated diplomatic ties with nations like Japan, France, Australia, and Germany, further boosting India's global standing.

The USIBC, established in 1975 to strengthen commercial and governmental ties between the US and India, acknowledged Dr. Singh’s profound impact. "He will be remembered with honor and fondness for his gentle yet resolute leadership," Keshap added.