Obama mourns Kalam 'an advocate for stronger US-India relations'

Washington, July 29: US President Barack Obama has condoled the death of former Indian president A.P.J. Abdul Kalam describing him as an advocate for stronger US-India relations, and who worked to deepen the two countries' space cooperation. "A scientist and statesman, Kalam rose from humble beginnings to become one of India's most accomplished leaders, earning esteem at home and abroad," he said in a statement on Tuesday. Extending his "deepest condolences to the people of India" on behalf of the American people, Obama noted Kalam's "tenure as India's 11th president witnessed unprecedented growth in US-India ties". "An advocate for stronger US-India relations, Kalam worked to deepen our space cooperation, forging links with NASA during a 1962 visit to the United States," he said. "Suitably named athe People's President, his humility and dedication to public service served as an inspiration to millions of Indians and admirers around the world."