“Atal Bihari Vajpayee recognised early on that the US-India partnership would contribute to the world’s economic prosperity and security and the two democracies continue to benefit from his vision,” US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo has said while condoling the death of the former Prime Minister.
Vajpayee, one of India’s most charismatic leaders and inspirational orators, died yesterday at the age of 93.
His death was announced by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) hospital where he was admitted on 11 June with a variety of ailments. AIIMS said his condition was stable for the last nine weeks, but it deteriorated over the last 36 hours and he was put on life support systems.
“On behalf of the people of the United States of America, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the people of India on the recent passing of Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee,” Pompeo said in a statement yesterday.
He said Indians will reflect on 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,” Pompeo said.
The top US diplomat recalled Vajpayee’s address to the United States Congress in 2000, when he had famously characterized US-India ties as a natural partnership of shared endeavours.
UK PRAISES FORMER PM
UK-based industrialists G P Hinduja and Lord Swraj Paul today praised the statesmanship and leadership of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, saying his demise marks the end of an era. Hinduja, co-chairman of the Hinduja Group, said Vajpayee had led India with sagacity and left a huge impact on the country and the world.
“We had the privilege of knowing Atalji for several decades, from the time he was a member of Parliament. He was a wise and able political leader, a great human being, and also a poet. He was truly a colossus,” Hinduja said adding,”It is a great loss to he world and to all of us in the family.”
The leading businessman conveyed his sincere condolences to Vajpayee’s family members and colleagues and said he would pray to God for his soul to receive peace.
VAJPAYEE WAS A RENOWNED STATESMAN: PAK
Pakistan government and top leaders have paid respects to Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said the former Indian prime minister contributed to bringing a change in bilateral ties and remained a key supporter of regional cooperation for development.
Prime Minister-in-waiting Imran Khan also expressed condolences over Vajpayee’s demise, saying his efforts for India-Pakistan peace will always be remembered.
Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said that “We have learnt with sadness the passing away of Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee.”
“He was a renowned statesman who contributed to bringing a change in India-Pakistan relations and remained a key supporter of SAARC and regional cooperation for development,” he said in a statement.
The government and people of Pakistan extend their heartfelt condolences to Vajpayee’s family and to the government and people of India, the spokesman said.
A DEEP SHOCK: BANGLA PM
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today expressed deep shock at the demise of India’s former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and said he was “our great friend and highly respected” in Bangladesh.
President Abdul Hamid said Vajpayee’s demise has created an irreparable vacuum in the politics of the subcontinent. In a condolence message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Hasina said,”It is a day of great sadness for the people of Bangladesh.”
“We are deeply shocked at the sad demise of the former Prime Minister of India Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, one of the most famous sons of India,” Prime Minister Hasina said.
He will be remembered for contributing towards good governance and for highlighting issues affecting the common people of India as well as for regional peace and prosperity, she said.