MFA Press Statement: Condolence letters from Singapore leaders on the passing of former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam

                    President Tony Tan Keng Yam has written to Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong have written to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to convey their condolences on the passing of former President of India Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.  The text of the letters is appended below.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

SINGAPORE

29 JULY 2015

Condolence letter from President Tony Tan Keng Yam to Indian President Pranab Mukherjee

29 July 2015

His Excellency Pranab Mukherjee

President

Republic of India

Your Excellency,

                        On behalf of the people of Singapore, I offer our deepest condolences to you and the people of India on the passing of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on 27 July 2015.

                        Dr Kalam was deeply respected in India and internationally as a great scientist, an eminent statesman and a visionary leader.  As the people’s President, he worked tirelessly to better the lives of all Indians.  Even after stepping down, he continued to inspire India with his sense of patriotism and single-minded dedication to promoting social and educational advancement.  His passing is an irreplaceable loss.

                        Our thoughts are with the people of India during this period of national mourning and grief.

Yours sincerely,

TONY TAN KENG YAM

Condolence letter from Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

29 July 2015

Dear Prime Minister Modi,

I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, former President of the Republic of India, on 27 July 2015. 

An eminent scientist and a visionary, Dr Kalam was deeply respected across India for his many contributions to the country, including his pioneering work on space technology.  Even after stepping down as President in 2007, his commitment to improving the lives of the Indian people never wavered.  Dr Kalam’s tireless work and dedication serve as an inspiration for us all.  He will be deeply missed.

I last met Dr Kalam in 2006 when he visited Singapore.  His deep sense of humility and selfless dedication to his country left an indelible impression on me.  As President, Dr Kalam played an instrumental role in enhancing Singapore-India relations.  Singapore was fortunate to have a friend in him. 

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Singapore, I would like to extend to you my heartfelt condolences. 

Yours sincerely,

LEE HSIEN LOONG

His Excellency Narendra Modi

Prime Minister

Republic of India

Condolence letter from Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi

29 July 2015

His Excellency Narendra Modi

Prime Minister

Republic of India

Dear Prime Minister

                        It was with much sadness that I learnt of the sudden passing of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam on 27 July 2015. 

            Dr Kalam was a truly remarkable man.  He served India with distinction in both his public and professional life.  His numerous contributions as scientist and statesman have left an indelible mark on India.  I had the privilege of meeting Dr Kalam several times when he was President, and was touched by his wisdom and candour.  He will be deeply missed by the people of India.

            I offer my deepest condolences to you during this difficult time.                       

Yours sincerely

GOH CHOK TONG