Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh died in New Delhi on Thursday. He was 92.
The senior Congress leader, being treated for age-related medical conditions, was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Science in the national capital on Thursday evening after he had a sudden loss of consciousness. Despite efforts, he could not be revived, the hospital said.
He is survived by his wife Gursharan Kaur and three daughters.
Singh served as the prime minister between 2004 and 2014, leading a coalition government that introduced legislations such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the Right to Information Act and signed the civil nuclear agreement with the United States.
As the Union finance minister between 1991 and 1996, Singh was the architect of several structural reforms that liberalised the Indian economy. Prior to this, he was the finance secretary and had served as the governor of the Reserve Bank of India between 1982 and 1985.
He was also the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha between 1998 and 2004, and remained a member of the Upper House of Parliament until April.
President Droupadi Murmu said on Thursday that Singh made critical contributions to reforming the Indian economy.
Singh was a rare politician who also “straddled the worlds of academia and administration with equal ease”, the president said.
Murmu added: “He will always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility. His passing is a great loss to all of us. I pay my respectful homage to one of the greatest sons of Bharat…”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that with the death of Singh, India was mourning the loss of “one of its most distinguished leaders”.
“Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist,” Modi said. “He served in various government positions as well, including as finance minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years.”
India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic… pic.twitter.com/clW00Yv6oP
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 26, 2024
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that he had lost a mentor and a guide. “Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride,” Gandhi added.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that few people in politics “inspire the kind of respect” that Singh did.
Vadra added: “His honesty will always be an inspiration for us and he will forever stand tall among those who truly love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation despite being subjected to unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents.”
This is a developing story. It will be updated as new details are available.
