New Delhi, June 8
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh today visited the US Embassy here and wrote on the condolence book on the demise of former President Ronald Reagan.
The Prime Minister wrote: “With the passing away of President Reagan, the world has lost a statesman of global renown, who left an indelible mark on history. We salute the memory of a friend of India, who did much to strengthen the bonds which tie together the two largest democracies.”
Mr Natwar Singh wrote: “India has lost a great friend, the United States of America a great leader, and the world a great statesman. My condolences to the family and the people of America.”
The US Embassy has opened a condolence book in the honour of Ronald Reagan, who passed away on June 5. The public can sign the book at the American Centre, Kasturba Gandhi Marg, until June 10 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the US Embassy said.
US Ambassador David C. Mulford said the American community in India join people around the world in mourning Reagan’s death. Mr Mulford said the late Reagan played a special role in the strengthening of US-India relations.
“Not letting years of irritating estrangement caused by the Cold War get in the way, Ronald Reagan created friendly and productive relationships with former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, which opened new opportunities for expanded cooperation and trade between the two nations. The year 1985, the fifth year of Ronald Reagan’s presidency, was named the ‘Year of India’ in the USA. Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi made a historic address to the joint Houses of Congress, and a massive cultural exhibit from India toured America,” Mr Mulford said.
