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Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh dies at 92, leaving behind a transformative legacy IndoUS Tribune Newsdesk
Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India, passed away on December 27 at the age of 92. Singh, who served as the nation’s leader from 2004 to 2014, is widely remembered as the architect of India’s economic reforms and modernization.
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ormer PM Manmohan Singh died after being admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi following a sudden decline in health. Despite efforts to revive him, Singh was declared dead at 9:51 p.m. on December 26. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from both domestic and international leaders. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief, remembering Singh as one of India’s most distinguished leaders. Modi praised Singh’s wisdom, humility, and tireless efforts to improve the lives of the Indian people. Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, called him a mentor and guide, while Priyanka Gandhi described him as wise, egalitarian, and courageous until the very end. Born on September 26, 1932, in the village of Gah in what is now Pakistan, Singh’s rise to prominence was marked by his impressive academic background, which included studies at Cambridge and Oxford. He started his political journey as India’s finance minister in 1991, at a time when the country was on the brink of economic collapse. Singh implemented sweeping reforms that liberalized India’s economy, slashing taxes, privatizing state-run industries, and encouraging foreign investment. These measures helped the Indian economy recover and thrive during the 1990s, laying the foundation for its subsequent growth. Singh became India’s Prime Minister in 2004, after Congress President Sonia Gandhi declined the position, citing concerns over her Italian origins. Despite criticism that he was merely a puppet of Gandhi, Singh led the country through significant foreign policy achievements, including the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal. However, his second term in office (2009-2014) was marred by allegations of corruption, which undermined his reputation and contributed to Congress’ defeat in the 2014 general elections. Known for his low-profile, studious demeanor, Singh was often described as a consensus builder, respected for his integrity but criticized for being indecisive. His tenure also faced criticism for policy paralysis and allegations of corruption involving his cabinet members. However, his foreign policy successes, such as fostering relations with Afghanistan and Russia, remained key highlights of his career. International leaders also expressed their condolences, recognizing Singh’s global contributions. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai praised Singh as an unwavering ally to Afghanistan, while former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed called him a “benevolent father figure.” Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, highlighted Singh’s contributions to strengthening Indo-Russian ties, noting his intellectual rigor and commitment to India’s progress.
In addition to these tributes, prominent world leaders shared personal reflections on their interactions with Singh. Former U.S. President Barack Obama credited Singh with modernizing India’s economy through the 1991 liberalization efforts, describing him as a “gentle, soft-spoken economist” with a “white beard and a turban that lent him the air of a holy man.” Obama noted that Singh’s efforts had lifted millions out of poverty, describing him as “wise, thoughtful, and scrupulously honest.” Obama also remembered their productive relationship, highlighting their collaboration on counterterrorism, nuclear security, and trade agreements.
faced by emerging economies, urging affluent nations to show greater empathy. Singh, she wrote, shared the cultural diversity of India with her, highlighting the nation’s long history.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, in her memoir Freedom: Memoirs (1954-2021), reflected on her interactions with Singh, praising his efforts to improve living standards for India’s rural population. She recalled how Singh helped her understand the challenges
Manmohan Singh’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian politics, with his transformative economic policies and steady leadership leaving a lasting impact on the country. His death is deeply mourned by people across India and around the world.
In recognition of his legacy, the Indian government has announced a sevenday period of national mourning, with the national flag to fly at half-mast throughout the country. Government events scheduled for December 29 have been canceled, and Singh’s funeral will be held with full state honors. He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters.