Former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi Passes Away at 67

Chandrikapersad Santokhi's Legacy

Paramaribo, March 31: Chandrikapersad Santokhi, who previously served as the President of Suriname, has died at the age of 67, as reported by local news outlets on Tuesday (Indian time). The specific cause of his passing has not yet been revealed.

Holding the presidential office from 2020 until 2025, Santokhi was also the leader of the Progressive Reform Party and had previously been the justice minister in Suriname.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, reminiscing about their friendship and Santokhi's contributions to enhancing the relationship between India and Suriname.

"I am deeply shocked and saddened by the unexpected passing of my friend, Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi Ji, the former President of Suriname. This is a significant loss not only for Suriname but also for the global Indian community," PM Modi stated in a message on X.

Reflecting on their discussions, the Prime Minister noted, "I cherish the many meetings we had. His unwavering dedication to Suriname and his commitment to fostering India-Suriname relations were evident in our conversations. He had a profound appreciation for Indian culture, which was beautifully showcased when he took his oath in Sanskrit."

"I extend my sincere condolences to his family and the citizens of Suriname during this difficult time. Om Shanti," he added.

The Prime Minister also shared images from his past encounters with the late leader.

Born in Lelydorp, located in the Wanica district of Suriname, Santokhi came from an Indo-Surinamese Hindu family and was the youngest of nine siblings. His grandparents had migrated from Bihar as indentured laborers in the 19th century.

His father worked at the Paramaribo harbor, while his mother was a shop assistant. Due to his early career in law enforcement, he earned the nickname 'Sheriff'.

As a prominent leader of Indian descent in a nation where approximately 27% of the population has roots in Indian indentured labor, Santokhi significantly contributed to strengthening ties with India in various sectors, including trade, energy, and culture.

He was honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman and had participated as a chief guest at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

His oath-taking ceremony in 2020, conducted in Sanskrit—the first for a Surinamese President—symbolized the deep cultural ties with India and celebrated the substantial Indian-origin population that descends from 19th-century indentured laborers.