The recent passing of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has drawn tributes from leaders across the world, highlighting his enduring legacy as an architect of India’s economic transformation. However, the varied responses from neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh and Pakistan, reveal stark contrasts in diplomatic gestures and political priorities.
In Bangladesh, interim Prime Minister Mohammad Yunus visited the Indian High Commission in Dhaka to pay homage to Manmohan Singh. Yunus not only offered flowers but also penned a heartfelt message, acknowledging Singh’s remarkable contributions to making India an economic powerhouse. Speaking with Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma, Yunus praised Singh’s intelligence and simplicity, encapsulating the respect Singh commands in Bangladesh, a nation whose history is intertwined with India’s. The Bangladeshi media widely covered Yunus’s remarks, emphasizing the shared historical and political ties between the two countries since India’s support during Bangladesh’s liberation war in 1971.
In stark contrast, Pakistan’s leadership has remained conspicuously silent. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s failure to publicly acknowledge Manmohan Singh’s death has drawn sharp criticism both domestically and internationally. While Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar did issue a statement of condolence, this gesture pales in comparison to the attention given to other international figures, such as former US President Jimmy Carter. Sharif’s selective silence has sparked debates within Pakistan, with citizens and analysts questioning the motives behind the government’s apparent indifference.
This silence is particularly striking given Manmohan Singh’s roots in what is now Pakistan. Born in undivided Punjab’s Gah village, Singh’s life story is one of resilience, having migrated to India as a refugee during the Partition. His personal connection to Pakistan’s soil makes the lack of official recognition from its government all the more puzzling and, to some, disheartening. Critics, including journalists and former officials, have lambasted the Sharif administration for failing to honour a leader who not only shared historical ties with Pakistan but also worked towards fostering peace between the two nations.
Chaudhry Fawad Hussain, a former minister in Imran Khan’s government, pointed out the hypocrisy of the Sharif family’s cordial relations with Indian leaders like Narendra Modi while ignoring Singh’s passing. Journalist Amara Ahmed went further, describing the omission as indicative of a “small mentality” that overlooks Singh’s significant role in diplomacy and his efforts to prevent conflict after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. Defence analyst Aisha Siddiqui speculated that the Sharif family might have avoided a tribute to avoid upsetting India’s current leadership, although this rationale has been dismissed by many, including international observers.
The disparity in tributes extends beyond South Asia. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s heartfelt message on social media highlighted the global respect Singh commanded. Recalling his own interactions with Singh during the 1990s, Ibrahim praised his generosity and vision, sharing personal anecdotes of Singh’s kindness, such as offering scholarships to Ibrahim’s children during difficult times. This international acknowledgment underscores the universal appeal of Singh’s policies and personality, which transcended borders and politics.
Pakistan’s reluctance to officially honour Singh also contrasts sharply with the actions of its own citizens and independent commentators. Najam Sethi, a senior journalist, shared memories of meeting Singh in 2004, painting a vivid picture of a leader deeply rooted in his Punjabi heritage and committed to education and progress. Sethi’s efforts to restore Singh’s childhood school in Pakistan reflect the grassroots admiration Singh continues to inspire, even if official channels remain silent.
The omission is not just a diplomatic misstep but also a missed opportunity to strengthen people-to-people ties between India and Pakistan. By failing to honour him, Pakistan’s leadership not only alienates its own citizens who respect Singh’s legacy but also risks further straining relations with India.
As the world mourns Manmohan Singh, it is a moment for introspection, particularly for South Asia. Leaders can choose to rise above political rivalries and acknowledge the contributions of figures like Singh, who dedicated their lives to the betterment of humanity. In doing so, they honour not just the individual but the ideals they represent, fostering hope for a more united and prosperous future in the region.