Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, hailed as the architect of India’s economic transformation, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. Reports confirmed his hospitalization in Delhi following a decline in his health.
Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and previously as Finance Minister, was pivotal in shaping India’s liberalized economy.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi led tributes, stating, “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders. His wisdom and humility were evident in every interaction, and his efforts to improve lives will remain unmatched.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described Singh as “a mentor and guide,” while his sister Priyanka Gandhi called him “wise, strong-willed, and courageous.”
A Legacy Rooted in Economic Transformation
Born in 1932 in Gah, now part of Pakistan, Singh overcame adversity to excel academically, earning advanced degrees from Cambridge and Oxford. As Finance Minister in 1991, Singh played a pivotal role in liberalizing India’s economy, which was on the brink of bankruptcy.
His reforms included tax cuts, currency devaluation, and the privatization of state enterprises, ushering in an era of unprecedented growth.
Quoting Victor Hugo in his maiden budget speech, Singh declared, “No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come,” setting the tone for a bold economic overhaul.
The “Accidental Prime Minister” Singh’s rise to political prominence continued when he became India’s first Sikh Prime Minister in 2004. Despite lacking a strong political base, he was appointed after Congress leader Sonia Gandhi declined the role. Critics alleged that Gandhi wielded significant influence over his administration.
During his first term, Singh’s leadership achieved a historic US-India nuclear deal, ending decades of nuclear isolation. However, his tenure was marred by corruption allegations during his second term, leading to the Congress party’s defeat in the 2014 general elections.
A Consensus Builder
Known for his integrity and intelligence, Singh earned respect as a coalition leader. His pragmatic foreign policy fostered peace efforts with Pakistan and negotiations with China. Singh also deepened India’s engagement with Afghanistan while redefining relations with Iran.
Despite these achievements, Singh faced criticism for being indecisive, particularly during periods of economic stagnation and political scandal. His calm demeanor, however, earned admiration, with many noting his preference for action over rhetoric.
Manmohan Singh lived a Life of Quiet Influence
Post-premiership, Singh remained active in politics and public discourse. In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he advocated urgent economic measures, including direct cash transfers and financial sector reforms.
Reflecting on his legacy, Singh once remarked, “History will be kinder to me than contemporary media or opposition parties.”
Manmohan Singh is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and three daughters. He will be remembered as a visionary leader who steered India through economic and political challenges with quiet determination.
