Obama pays glowing tribute to Sam Manekshaw

Hailing Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw as a “legandary soldier” and an “inspiration” to his fellow citizens, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama paid glowing tributes to the former chief of Indian Army who crafted India’s greatest military victory in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.

“I offer my deep condolences to the people of India, on the passing of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. He was a legendary soldier, a patriot, and an inspiration to his fellow citizens,” he said.

The former army chief provided an example of personal bravery, self-sacrifice, and steadfast devotion to duty that began before India’s independence, and will deservedly be remembered far into the future, Obama said in a statement.