Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister whose economic reforms made his country a global powerhouse, has died at the age of 92. Singh, who held office from 2004 to 2014, was credited with having overseen an economic boom in Asia's fourth-largest economy during his first term, though slowing growth marred his second stint.
India "mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders," current Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on social media platform X on Thursday, shortly after news broke of Singh's passing. "During his tenure as Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people's lives." Singh was taken to a hospital in New Delhi after he lost consciousness at his home on Thursday, but could not be resuscitated and was later pronounced dead, according to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.
"I have lost a mentor and guide," opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said, adding Singh had "led India with immense wisdom and integrity." According to Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of the opposition in parliament's upper house, "India has lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled stature." President Droupadi Murmu commented on X, stating Singh will "always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility."
Born in 1932 in the mud-house village of Gah, now part of Pakistan, Singh pursued studies to find solutions for poverty eradication and never held elected office before assuming the role of Prime Minister. He won scholarships for education at both Cambridge, where he secured a first-class degree in economics, and Oxford, where he completed his PhD.
His career included various senior civil positions, appointment as central bank governor, and roles with international organizations such as the United Nations. Singh was appointed by then Congress prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1991 during India's financial crisis; he played a key role in reforming the economy out of disaster.
Singh's first term saw the Indian economy experience significant growth, reaching nine percent which endowed the nation with international respect. He also facilitated the landmark nuclear deal with the United States aimed at addressing India's energy requirements. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recognized Singh as "one of the greatest champions of the U.S.-India strategic partnership," highlighting his contributions significantly affecting bilateral relations.
Despite being heralded as "Mr Clean" for his perceived integrity, Singh's tenure faced criticism due to several corruption cases surfacing. Just months prior to the 2014 elections, he announced plans to retire, which coincided with Congress’s historic electoral defeat, yielding power to the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party led by Modi. Singh remarked, "Historians will be kinder to me than my contemporary critics," as he became increasingly vocal against Modi's economic strategies, speaking out about rising communal tensions and their threat to democracy.
Singh's death marks the end of a significant chapter for modern India, reflecting on his distinguished leadership during transformative years. His policies not only impacted the economy but also led to India claiming its place on the global stage, demonstrating the resilience and capabilities of the world's largest democracy.
Moving forward, Singh's legacy as one of India's prominent leaders will be honored, reminding many of his commitment to public service and the vision he had for eradicaring poverty. The gatherings of those remembering his contributions depict both reverence and the void his absence creates.
