Former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi dies at 67
Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of Suriname from 2020 to 2025 and a leader of Indian origin who took his oath in Sanskrit, died suddenly on 30 March 2026 aged 67.
Summary
Former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi died suddenly in Paramaribo on 30 March 2026 at the age of 67. He was President from 2020 to 2025 and chaired Suriname's Progressive Reform Party (VHP); he was succeeded by President Jennifer Simons. Santokhi also chaired the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government from July to December 2022. PM Narendra Modi condoled his death, recalling that he won hearts by taking his oath in Sanskrit.
Key facts
- Person
- Chandrikapersad 'Chan' Santokhi
- Died
- 30 March 2026, Paramaribo, aged 67
- President of Suriname
- 2020–2025 (9th President)
- Party
- Progressive Reform Party (VHP), chairman
- Successor
- Jennifer Simons
- CARICOM
- Chaired Conference of Heads of Government, July–December 2022
- India link
- Took oath of office in Sanskrit
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Chandrikapersad Santokhi, who died on 30 March 2026, was a former President of which country?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Suriname
Santokhi was President of Suriname from 2020 to 2025; he died on 30 March 2026 aged 67.
Recalling former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi, PM Modi noted that he had taken his oath of office in which language?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Sanskrit
PM Modi recalled that Santokhi won many hearts when he took his oath in Sanskrit.