Former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi Dies at 67; Modi Pays Tribute

PARAMARIBO, Suriname — Chandrikapersad Santokhi, the former president of Suriname who served from 2020 to 2025, has died at the age of 67, according to local media reports. The cause of his death was not immediately disclosed.

Santokhi, a prominent political figure and leader of the Progressive Reform Party, previously served as the country’s justice minister and was widely known for his law enforcement background, earning him the nickname “Sheriff.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, describing Santokhi as a close friend and praising his contributions to strengthening ties between India and Suriname.

“Deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden demise of my friend and the former President of Suriname, Mr. Chandrikapersad Santokhi Ji. This is not only an irreparable loss to Suriname but also to the global Indian diaspora,” Modi said in a post on X.

“I fondly recall my many meetings with him. His tireless service for Suriname and his efforts in strengthening India-Suriname relations were clearly reflected in our interactions. He had a special fondness for Indian culture. He won several hearts when he took oath in Sanskrit,” Modi added.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of Suriname in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” he said.

Santokhi was born in Lelydorp, in Suriname’s Wanica district, into an Indo-Surinamese Hindu family. The youngest of nine siblings, he was the grandson of indentured laborers who migrated from Bihar in the 19th century. His father worked at the Paramaribo harbor, and his mother was a shop assistant.

As a leader of Indian descent in a country where roughly 27 percent of the population traces its roots to Indian indentured laborers, Santokhi played a significant role in strengthening bilateral relations with India, particularly in trade, energy, and cultural exchange.

He was honored with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman and attended the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas as a chief guest.

His 2020 inauguration drew international attention when he took the presidential oath in Sanskrit — a first in Suriname — highlighting the enduring cultural ties between the two nations and the legacy of the country’s Indian-origin population. (Source: IANS)