Singh, a two-time former prime minister from 2004 to 2014, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Thursday after losing consciousness at his home owing to age-related ailments. He was 92.
Updated On: 2024-12-27 11:46 AM IST
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In this iconic image, Singh, his wife Gursharan Kaur, Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani, Sonia Gandhi, and President Pratibha Patil are seen together, watching the gripping 2011 World Cup semi-final at Mohali, days after which India went on to lift the trophy. (Pic: archivepmo.nic.in)
As India's Prime Minister, Singh was renowned not only for his economic acumen but also for his distinctive approach to diplomacy (Pic: Reuters)
After assuming office, Singh became known not only for his expertise in economics but also for his innovative diplomatic strategies. One notable example was during the 2011 ICC World Cup. On March 30, 2011, he was photographed engaging with the Pakistani cricket team during the highly anticipated Indo-Pak World Cup semi-final at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali. (Pic: Wikimedia Commons)
A significant moment captured in a file photograph from April 17, 2005, shows Singh with then-President of Pakistan, Pervez Musharraf, at an India-Pakistan cricket match in New Delhi, further highlighting his use of the sport as a platform for diplomacy (Pic: PTI)
The former Prime Minister was often spotted at cricket events, engaging with dignitaries from various nations. He recognised the power of cricket as a diplomatic tool, leveraging the sport to foster dialogue, particularly between India and Pakistan (Pic: archivepmo.nic.in)
No one did it better than Singh to use cricket diplomacy to ease tensions and strengthen India-Pakistan relations on and off the field. Singh here is seen posing with Musharraf in New York on September 24, 2004. (Pic: Wikimedia Commons)
Singh frequently used cricket as a means to facilitate informal communication, especially with neighboring countries like Pakistan (Pic: archivepmo.nic.in)
Another key moment occurred on October 30, 2007, when Singh met with the Indian cricket team to personally congratulate them for their victory in the inaugural T20 World Cup. Alongside his wife Gursharan Kaur and Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar, Singh celebrated the team’s triumph over Pakistan in the final, marking a historic achievement in Indian cricket. (Pic: PIB)
