Chandrikapersad Santokhi, Suriname’s former President passed away today at age 67 according to local media. The reason of his death has not yet been disclosed but political leaders and the global Indian diaspora are in shock.
Santokhi served between 2020 and 2025 as President and has been called one of the central figures for a strong Suriname in governance and international relations. He was also the leader of the Progressive Reform Party and had previously served as the country’s justice minister, earning recognition for his work in law enforcement, which earned him the name “Sheriff.”
After his death, Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow and extended his condolences. Modi also said Santokhi in his words is one of our very best friends now to see India connect more deeply to 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.
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.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 31, 2026
I fondly recall my many meetings with him. His tireless… pic.twitter.com/2Yy7sppwDy
The Prime Minister fondly recalled his meetings with Santokhi and his efforts to build ties in trade, energy and culture. He also indicated that Santokhi has very much to hand to be a hero-in-probe to Indian tradition when he took oath of office in Sanskrit in 2020 for the first time for a Surinamese President.
Born in Lelydorp in the Wanica district, Santokhi came from an Indo-Surinamese Hindu family and was the youngest child of nine siblings. His grandparents migrated from Bihar, India, as indentured workforce in the 19th century, reflecting the deep-rooted connection between the two nations.
Santokhi has lived and worked to further India’s relationship with Suriname throughout his entire life and was a critical part of Suriname’s population which has its origins in India to date. Nearly 27% of Suriname’s population comes from India, and Santokhi served as the symbol for this heritage in leadership of the country.
He was awarded the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman as chief guest and also attended the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, further cementing his ties with India.
Santokhi’s passing means an end to a political era in Suriname. We thank him for being not just an administrative leader but also a cultural and diplomatic collaborator that linked cultures across continents.
