'Bharat Ratna' Pranab Mukherjee was India's 13th President
World leaders have condoled the death of former president Pranab Mukherjee, recalling the veteran politician's significant contributions towards strengthening India's bilateral ties and helping its rise as a global power. Pranab Mukherjee died on Monday evening following a 21-day battle with multiple ailments. He was 84. The long-time Congress leader and seven-time parliamentarian tested positive for COVID-19 when he was hospitalised and was being treated for a lung infection. He suffered a septic shock on Sunday.
"I was saddened to learn of the passing of India's former President, Pranab Mukherjee," President Trump tweeted on Tuesday. "I send my condolences to his family and the people of India as they grieve the loss of a great leader," he said. Earlier, US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo said, the US was deeply saddened to learn about the death of Pranab Mukherjee. "His visionary leadership helped drive India's rise as a global power and paved the way for a stronger US-India partnership," he said.
"President Mukherjee's many accomplishments resulted in a more prosperous and secure India. As Minister of External Affairs and Defence, he championed the landmark US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, a foundation of the US-India strategic partnership, and signed the Defense Framework Agreement to enable the US-India security relationship we witness today," Mike Pompeo said. "Few Indian statesmen played a more vital role in preparing India for the mantle of global leadership in the 21st century. On behalf of the American people, we extend our deepest condolences to the people of India and to President Mukherjee's family during this time of mourning," he said in a statement.
In neighbouring Bangladesh, a state mourning was observed on Wednesday in honour of its "real friend" Pranab Mukherjee. The government also recalled the former Indian president's "outstanding and unforgettable" contributions to the country's 1971 Liberation War and strengthening of bilateral relations. All government, semi-government, autonomous and private institutions and Bangladesh missions abroad kept the national flag at half-mast to mourn Pranab Mukherjee's death.
Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina sent a letter to her Indian counterpart PM Modi, saying ''Bharat Ratna'' Pranab Mukherjee's tireless work for the welfare of the people of India will inspire the future generation of leaders not only in India but across the region. Sheikh Hasina called Pranab Mukherjee a "true friend" of Bangladesh and a guardian-like figure to her family. She said the former president always extended his cooperation to her family while they were in exile in India after the assassination of her father and Bangladesh's founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975.
"In such a bad time Mr Mukherjee always enquired about my family and stood beside us. He was our guardian and always provided courage to us in any crisis. He will remain alive as a glittering star in the politics of the sub-continent," she said.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa paid his last respect to Pranab Mukherjee, describing the him as "a dear friend of Sri Lanka and its people". In his condolence message, Mr Rajapaksa said, "...The absence of his friendly leadership would be felt by the Indian public, Sri Lanka and the entire world".
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condoled the death of Pranab Mukherjee and recalled with appreciation his commitment to reform, multilateralism and support to the world organisation.
"The Secretary-General learned with sadness of the passing of former President Mukherjee and he expresses his most sincere condolences to his family as well as to the government and people of India for this loss," Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric said.
Singapore Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan wrote in the condolence book at the High Commission of India that Pranab Mukherjee, was a good friend of the country and made a significant contribution towards strengthening bilateral relations. "On behalf of the government and people of Singapore, I offer our deepest condolences to the government and people of India on the death of former President Pranab Mukherjee. He was a true statesman who dedicated his life to serving and transforming India. Our thoughts are with the people of India and Shri Mukherjee's family," wrote the Singapore minister.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Nepal's President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih were among other leaders who paid their tribute to Pranab Mukherjee.