NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, while expressing grief on the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, credited him for making ‘strategic corrections’ to India’s foreign policy.
The Minister, who is at present in the US, wrote a post on social media platform X, saying, “Deeply grieved at the passing away of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.”
Jaishankar added, “While regarded as the architect of Indian economic reforms, he was equally responsible for the strategic corrections to our foreign policy.”
Though Jaishankar did not mention it, the obvious reference was the July 2005 announcement following a meeting between US President George Bush and Manmohan Singh when the two countries announced the expansion of ties to the next level. With one stroke, India removed its self-created ‘strategic barriers’ set in 1960’s. That led to cooperation in defence, space and civilian use of nuclear power.
Jaishankar added in his post, “Was immensely privileged to work closely with him. Will always remember his kindness and courtesy. My deepest condolences to his family. Om Shanti.”
Meanwhile, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who was in the Prime Minister’s Office from 2012-2014, also posted on X, saying, “Deeply saddened at the passing of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.
“His wisdom, grace under pressure and unfailing warmth touched all those who had the good fortune to work with him,” Misri added.