Beijing: China on Friday remembered Manmohan Singh’s “positive contribution” to developing Indo-China ties, reminiscing key agreements signed on the border issue between the two nations during his tenure as tributes poured in from across the world on the former Indian prime minister’s passing.
Manmohan Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms and an eminent statesman, died at the age of 92 on Thursday night after being admitted to AIIMS Delhi after experiencing breathing difficulties. He is survived by his wife Gurucharan Kaur and three daughters.
China pays tribute to Manmohan Singh
China deeply mourns the passing of Singh, a senior politician and renowned economist of India, and extends its heartfelt sympathies to his family, the Indian government, and the people, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said during a media briefing.
Responding to a question about Singh’s legacy in fostering India-China relations, Mao highlighted his positive contributions to the development of bilateral ties.
During Singh’s tenure as prime minister, India and China established a strategic cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity. The two nations also signed an agreement on the political parameters and guiding principles for resolving the India-China boundary issue, she said.
Condolences from around the world, including the US, Canada, France, and Sri Lanka, have followed the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Leaders from neighbouring countries such as Nepal, the Maldives, and Afghanistan have expressed deep sorrow, reflecting on Singh’s contributions and the strong ties he fostered with their nations.
India declares seven-day mourning
The Indian government has declared seven days of State mourning until January 1, with the national flag to be flown at half-mast across the country.
Indian missions and high commissions abroad will also lower the national flag to half-mast during this period. A State funeral will be held for the former prime minister, and all central government offices and CPSUs will observe a half-day holiday.
