Washington: Jimmy Carter, 39th President of US and global advocate for peace and human rights, passed away at the age of 100. He died at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from the Carter Center.
Carter, the longest-lived president in US history, was known not only for his time in office but also for his humanitarian work after leaving the White House. His presidency marked significant moments in US.-India relations, including a visit to India in 1978 during which a village in Haryana renamed itself Carterpuri in his honour.
A friend to India
Carter was the first US President to visit India after the Emergency was lifted in 1977, as reported by The Associated Press. During his visit, he addressed Indian Parliament, praising the country’s commitment to democracy and its rejection of authoritarianism. He highlighted India’s achievements in maintaining unity amid diversity, calling it an experiment celebrated worldwide.
In a historic visit to the village of Daulatpur Nasirabad, now renamed Carterpuri, Carter connected with the local people. The visit left a lasting impression, and the villagers maintained contact with the White House throughout his presidency. To this day, January 3, the date of his visit, is celebrated as a holiday in Carterpuri.
US-India ties
Carter’s tenure laid the foundation for a stronger US-India partnership. His emphasis on democratic principles and mutual respect helped rebuild trust between the two nations after earlier tensions during the Nixon administration. His visit to India marked the beginning of a closer relationship that has since expanded to include cooperation in areas like energy, technology, defense and trade.
The Carter Center highlighted that the relationship between the two nations has grown significantly over the years, with milestones like the 2008 civil nuclear agreement and the establishment of the US-India Strategic Dialogue in 2010, as reported by Associated Press.
Joe Biden pays tribute to Carter
President Joe Biden paid tribute to Carter. In a post on X, Joe Biden said, “”This is a sad day, but it brings back an incredible amount of good memories. Today, America and the world, in my view, lost a remarkable leader.”
#WATCH | US President Joe Biden says, “This is a sad day, but it brings back an incredible amount of good memories. Today, America and the world, in my view, lost a remarkable leader. He was a statesman and humanitarian. And Jill and I lost a dear friend. I’ve been hanging out… pic.twitter.com/JYFeakPf3E
— ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2024
Biden called him a “leader, statesman, and humanitarian” who worked tirelessly for causes such as civil rights, human rights, and eradicating diseases. “He saved, lifted, and changed lives all across the globe,” Biden said in a post on X.
Carter is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren. His son, Chip Carter, described him as a hero who believed in peace, human rights, and bringing people together.
