Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was a prominent figure in Indian politics and economics, passed away at the age of 92. He served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and held the post of Finance Minister prior to that, overseeing landmark economic reforms that significantly liberalized India’s economy. Singh was renowned for his intellectual prowess and played a pivotal role during his tenure, becoming one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers. His health had been in decline, and reports indicated that he was hospitalized recently in Delhi.
World leaders and political figures expressed their condolences upon hearing the news of his death. Current Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media, stating that “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders.” Modi emphasized Singh’s wisdom, humility, and the effect of his policies on the lives of many citizens. Priyanka Gandhi, daughter of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and a member of the Congress party, described Singh as “genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong-willed, and courageous,” while her brother Rahul Gandhi expressed that he had lost a mentor.
Singh made history as the first leader since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full term. Additionally, he was the first Sikh to hold the esteemed position of Prime Minister in India. He made an apology in parliament for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that resulted in massive casualties. However, his second term was marred by various corruption scandals that plagued his administration, which critics claimed contributed to the Congress party’s significant defeat in the 2014 elections.
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah—a remote village in what is now Pakistan—Singh faced early challenges relating to poverty and education. He studied at Panjab University, which he followed with a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge and a DPhil from Oxford. Despite financial hardships during his education, he diligently pursued his studies with the support of his family.
Singh’s political career took off when he served as India’s Finance Minister in 1991 during a critical economic crisis. His appointment was notable given the country was on the brink of bankruptcy. During his first address as finance minister, he quoted Victor Hugo, underscoring his belief in transformative ideas whose time had come. He instigated extensive economic reforms that involved cutting taxes, devaluing the currency, and encouraging foreign investments, ultimately leading to a rapid revival of the Indian economy and significant growth during the 1990s.
Despite his substantial achievements, Singh often faced the label of the “accidental prime minister.” His ascent to leadership was marked by the Congress party choosing him for the role as Sonia Gandhi, the party president, stepped back under scrutiny. Critics contended that Gandhi remained the one truly in charge and that Singh lacked a strong political foundation through electoral victories. His attempts to win elections in 1999 were unsuccessful, leading him to serve in the Rajya Sabha, India’s upper house.
Singh’s administration saw major success in foreign relations, particularly in boosting India’s nuclear capabilities through a groundbreaking deal with the United States, which, however, cost him support from Communist allies. This coalition politics required him to balance various interests tactfully, earning respect for his expertise, though sometimes he was criticized for his perceived indecisiveness.
Even after stepping down as Prime Minister, Singh remained actively engaged in political discourse and public life, maintaining a presence in the Congress party. His insights on economic policies, particularly in response to challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, illustrated his ongoing commitment to India’s progress.
His legacy encompasses the major strides he made in economic reform and nuclear policy, albeit alongside the controversies that characterized his later tenure. Notably, Singh stated, “I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media.” He is survived by his wife and three daughters. Overall, Singh’s life encapsulates the complexities of leadership in a democratic India, blending significant accomplishments with the challenges of political life.
