The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the passing away of Professor John Kenneth Galbraith, saying India has lost a dear and trusted friend and the world, a profound teacher, thinker, philosopher, diplomat and a man of peace.

In a condolence message to Prof Galbraith's son Dr. James Galbraith, the Prime Minister said, " I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing away of Prof Galbraith. In his passing away India has lost a dear and trusted friend, the discipline of economics has lost a most lucid interpreter, the people of America have lost a great liberal and a voice of reason and his admirers around the world have lost a profound teacher, thinker, philosopher, diplomat and a man of peace. Prof Galbraith shaped our thinking about post-War world and the dynamics of modern capitalism. His deep insights into the working of an industrial society, the monetary system and the world economy gave us reasons to be optimistic about our future. His wry wit, sarcasm and evocative language brought to life the dry discipline of economics, educating and entertaining millions of students of the dismal science.

I had the good fortune of meeting your father on several occasions and each time was struck by his deep affection for the people of India and his sincere commitment to good relations between India and the United States.

During his tenure as US ambassador in New Delhi, he laid the foundation of an enduring friendship between our two countries on which we are now attempting to build a new edifice defined by trust and mutual benefit. More than an Ambassador, he was a friend of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He continued to maintain a friendly relationship with Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.

Generations of Indians have admired his wisdom and humour and thanked him for his friendship." the Prime Minister said.