New Delhi, 31 March (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed profound grief over the sudden demise of his close friend and former President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi, describing the loss as “irreparable” for both Suriname and the global Indian‑origin community.

PM’s emotional tribute

Posting a condolence message on the social‑media platform X, the Prime Minister wrote:

“Deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of my friend and the former President of Suriname, Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi Ji. This is not only an irreparable loss to Suriname but also to the global Indian diaspora.”

Modi recalled his many meetings with Santokhi, noting that the Surinamese leader’s “tireless service for Suriname” and his efforts to strengthen India–Suriname ties were clearly evident in their conversations.

He also highlighted Santokhi’s special affection for Indian culture, pointing out how he had “won several hearts” when he took his presidential oath in Sanskrit—a rare gesture that resonated strongly with the Indian community and cultural observers worldwide.

The Prime Minister concluded his message by extending his “heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Suriname in this hour of grief” and invoking the traditional prayer: “Om Shanti.”

Santokhi: A profile of the former president

Chandrikapersad Santokhi, a member of the Indo‑Surinamese community, served as the President of Suriname from 2020 until his recent passing. A former police commissioner and law‑enforcement professional, he entered politics through the Progressive Reform Party (VHP), gradually rising to lead the country during a period of economic and institutional challenge.

As a political figure of Indian‑origin descent, Santokhi symbolised the deep historical and cultural links between Suriname and the Indian subcontinent, where many of the country’s citizens trace their roots to 19th‑century indentured labourers brought from India. His public use of Sanskrit in the oath‑taking ceremony reinforced this bond and was widely welcomed both in Suriname and in India.

Modi–Santokhi relationship

Prime Minister Modi had met Santokhi on several occasions, including during high‑level India–Caribbean Community (CARICOM) dialogues, where the two leaders discussed closer cooperation in areas such as culture, diaspora engagement and economic development.

The warmth of their personal rapport was evident in Modi’s reference to Santokhi as a “friend” and his repeated emphasis on the former president’s attachment to Indian traditions.

With Santokhi’s passing, Suriname loses a prominent leader deeply connected to its Indo‑Caribbean heritage, while India mourns a head of state who actively nurtured the enduring ties between the two nations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar