Paramaribo, March 31: Former President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi, has passed away at the age of 67. Local media reported this news on Tuesday, according to Indian time. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. Santokhi had a special connection with the Indian state of Bihar.
Reports indicate that Santokhi died suddenly on Monday. The current President of Suriname, Jennifer Simons, confirmed his passing.
Santokhi served as President from 2020 to 2025. He was also the leader of the Progressive Reform Party and had previously held the position of Minister of Justice in the country.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over Santokhi’s death, recalling the former president’s personal ties and his role in strengthening relations between India and Suriname.
In a post on the social media platform X, PM Modi stated, “I am deeply saddened by the sudden demise of my friend and former President of Suriname, Chandrikapersad Santokhi. This is a loss that cannot be compensated, not only for Suriname but also for the Indian community spread across the globe.”
Reflecting on their conversations, the Prime Minister noted, “I fondly remember our many meetings. His tireless service to Suriname and his efforts to strengthen India-Suriname relations were evident in our discussions. He had a special affection for Indian culture. When he took his oath in Sanskrit, he won many hearts.”
PM Modi further expressed, “In this time of grief, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Suriname. Om Shanti.” He also shared photographs from his previous meetings with the late leader.
Born in Lelidorp, Wanica district of Suriname, Santokhi hailed from an Indo-Surinamese Hindu family and was the youngest of nine siblings. His grandparents arrived from Bihar as indentured laborers in the 19th century.
His father worked at the port in Paramaribo, while his mother assisted in a shop. Due to his early career in law enforcement, he earned the nickname ‘Sheriff.’
Santokhi played a crucial role in strengthening ties between India and Suriname in sectors such as trade, energy, and culture. Approximately 27% of Suriname’s population has roots linked to Indian indentured laborers. He was honored as a Non-Resident Indian and was a chief guest at the Non-Resident Indian Day.
In the context of Indo-Surinamese heritage, Santokhi’s oath-taking in 2020 reflected strong cultural ties with India. He was the first president of Suriname to take the oath in Sanskrit, honoring the significant Indian-origin population descended from 19th-century indentured laborers.
PM Modi had mentioned the former president in his monthly radio program, Mann Ki Baat, highlighting the connection between the Indian public and Santokhi’s engagement with Indian languages and culture.
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