US President Barack Obama has extended his deepest condolences to the people of India on the death of former Indian President APJ Abdul Kalam. Obama described Kalam as an advocate who deepened US-India ties and worked to strengthen space cooperation between India and the US.

Obama said in a statement that, "A scientist and statesman, Kalam rose from humble beginnings to become one of India's most accomplished leaders, earning esteem at home and abroad.”

The US President noted that the tenure of Abdul Kalam as the 11th President of India observed extraordinary growth in US-India bonds. Kalam worked to intensify space cooperation between the countries by building relations with NASA during his US visit in 1962, Obama said.

He added that Kalam’s humility and devotion to serve public will remain as an inspiration to Indians as well as admirers across the globe.

US media highlights Kalam’s role in India's nuclear programs

Abdul Kalam’s role in progressing India's nuclear, space and missile programs were highlighted by the US media.
New York Times said Kalam's "role in advancing India's nuclear programmes made him one of his country's most beloved figures".

The Times said, "Kalam spent a little time outside India. For him, it was a point of pride that India had developed its bomb without much help from foreign powers. And he described himself as thoroughly Indian.”

-Sumana