On March 31, 2026, the Prime Minister’s Office released a statement regarding Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s condolences for the sudden demise of Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi, the former President of Suriname.
**Key Details and Observations:**
* **Significance of Loss:** Prime Minister Modi characterized the passing of Mr. Santokhi as an "irreparable loss" not only to the nation of Suriname but also to the global Indian diaspora.
* **Diplomatic Relations:** The Prime Minister highlighted Mr. Santokhi’s tireless service to Suriname and his significant contributions toward strengthening India-Suriname bilateral relations.
* **Cultural Connection:** The statement noted the former President’s special fondness for Indian culture, specifically recalling the historic moment he took his official oath in Sanskrit.
* **Official Communication:** The condolences were shared via the Prime Minister’s official X (formerly Twitter) account (@narendramodi), where he extended sympathies to the bereaved family and the people of Suriname.
**Document Metadata:**
* **Post Date/Time:** March 31, 2026, at 11:01 AM
* **Source:** PIB Delhi, Prime Minister's Office
* **Release ID:** 2247168
* **Visitor Counter:** 287
* **Language Availability:** The release was made available in several languages including Urdu, Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Manipuri, Bengali, Gujarati, Telugu, and Kannada.
Key Entities Referenced
Chandrikapersad Santokhi: Former President of Suriname whose demise was condoled by India; noted for strengthening India-Suriname relations and his connection to the global Indian diaspora.
Suriname: The country central to the diplomatic relations and the former presidency discussed in the official condolence message.
Narendra Modi: Prime Minister of India who issued the official statement highlighting the impact of the former President's death on bilateral ties and Indian culture.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister condoles the demise of former
Suriname President
Posted On: 31 MAR 2026 11:01AM by PIB Delhi
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, condoled the sudden demise of former President of Suriname,
Mr Chandrikapersad Santokhi ji. The Prime Minister stated that this is not only an irreparable loss to
Suriname but also to the global Indian diaspora. Recalling his many meetings with the late leader, Shri
Modi noted that Santokhi Ji’s tireless service for Suriname and his efforts in strengthening India-Suriname
relations were clearly reflected in their interactions. He also highlighted Santokhi Ji’s special fondness for
Indian culture, noting that he won several hearts when he took oath in Sanskrit.
The Prime Minister posted on X:
“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.
I fondly recall my many meetings with him. His tireless service for Suriname and his efforts in
strengthening India-Suriname relations were clearly reflected in our interactions. He had a special
fondness for Indian culture. He won several hearts when he took oath in Sanskrit.
I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Suriname in this hour of grief. Om
Shanti.
Sharing some glimpses from our various interactions…”
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.
I fondly recall my many meetings with him. His tireless… pic.twitter.com/2Yy7spp
wDy
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2026
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MJPS/VJ
(Release ID: 2247168) Visitor Counter : 287
Read this release in: Urdu , ही , Marathi , Assamese , Manipuri , Bengali , Gujarati , Telugu , Kannada