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Condolence Letters from Singapore Leaders on the Passing of Former Prime Minister of India, Atal Bihari Vajpayee
18 August 2018
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President Halimah Yacob has written to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong have written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to offer their condolences on the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The text of the letters is appended.
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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
18 AUGUST 2018
Letter from President Halimah Yabcob to Indian President Ram Nath Kovind
17 August 2018
His Excellency Ram Nath Kovind
President
Republic of India
Your Excellency
On behalf of the people of Singapore, I express my deepest condolences to Your Excellency and the people of India on the passing of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
With his far-sighted leadership, Mr Vajpayee played an instrumental role in transforming India’s economy, as well as strengthening India’s standing in the region and the world. He also oversaw a period of strong growth in Singapore-India relations, particularly in economic cooperation. During his tenure, our two countries embarked on the Singapore-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA). Mr Vajpayee will always be remembered as a good friend of Singapore.
Mr Vajpayee was one of India’s finest sons who inspired many with his hard work, sacrifices for the nation and compassion for the people. I am certain that his life and legacy will remain a sterling example of public service to us all.
Our thoughts are with you and the people of India in this time of sorrow.
Yours sincerely,
HALIMAH YACOB
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Letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
17 August 2018
Dear Prime Minister Modi,
I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Mr Vajpayee had dedicated decades of his life to serving his nation. He was a wise and compassionate leader who cared for the people and worked tirelessly to better their lives. A visionary and a reformer, Mr Vajpayee’s economic reforms improved the lives of millions of Indians. He will be remembered as a great statesman who led India through a period when its international stature grew immensely.
Under his far-sighted leadership, Mr Vajpayee saw the importance for India to engage our region more closely, and as a result, India-ASEAN and India-Singapore relations were greatly strengthened. He was a good friend of Singapore and deepened bilateral ties by launching the India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Singapore, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of India as you mourn the loss of one of India’s great leaders.
Yours sincerely,
LEE HSIEN LOONG
His Excellency Narendra Modi
Prime Minister
Republic of India
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Letter from Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
17 August 2018
His Excellency Narendra Modi
Prime Minister
Republic of India
Dear Excellency
I am profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Mr Vajpayee was a great statesman and leading light in India. During our overlapping tenures as Prime Minister, Mr Vajpayee and I had a good relationship. We shared a similar outlook on the importance of an interconnected world. His economic vision for India and the policies he introduced have spurred strong growth and bettered the lives of the people of India.
Mr Vajpayee was a dear friend of Singapore and ASEAN. ASEAN-India relations improved immensely during his time in office. Together, we launched the negotiations for the India-Singapore Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement during my visit to India in 2003, which heralded a new phase in bilateral relations. On a personal note, I have fond memories of our interactions and I will always treasure his humility, wit and intellect.
Mr Vajpayee has touched the hearts of many people in the course of his life. His passing is a great loss for all of us.
Yours sincerely,
GOH CHOK TONG