Dr. Manmohan Singh, Former Prime Minister of India, Passes Away at 92

Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s 14th Prime Minister and one of the country’s most respected statesmen, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. The iconic economist and politician, whose tenure as Prime Minister spanned from 2004 to 2014, died following a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of economic reforms and global diplomacy. He was rushed to AIIMS New Delhi on Thursday evening at around 8 pm, later declared dead around 9.51pm, as stated by AIIMS in their press release.

Dr. Singh's death marks the end of an era in Indian politics. He was known for his quiet leadership, deep intellect, and steady hand during challenging times. Under his leadership, India witnessed significant economic growth, liberalisation, and a strengthening of its position on the global stage. His tenure, though not without controversy, was largely defined by his pragmatic approach to governance and his ability to navigate through India’s complex political landscape.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who succeeded Dr. Singh in 2014, has expressed deep sorrow over his passing. In a statement, Modi lauded Dr. Singh’s contributions to the nation, noting his pivotal role in shaping India’s modern economy and diplomatic standing. “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 policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives”, PM Narendra Modi posted on ‘X’.

A Legacy of Reform and Diplomacy

Dr. Singh, an economist by training, first came to prominence in the 1990s when, as Finance Minister, he was instrumental in spearheading India’s economic liberalisation efforts. His bold reforms helped the country transition from a largely closed economy to one that was more integrated with the global market. In his two terms as Prime Minister, he furthered these reforms, managing to balance growth with social welfare schemes aimed at alleviating poverty.

In addition to his economic vision, Dr. Singh was a steady hand in foreign affairs, working to strengthen India’s relations with key global powers, including the United States, Russia, and neighbouring countries. His leadership during the 2008 global financial crisis, where India weathered the storm better than many other economies, cemented his reputation as a cautious yet effective policymaker.

A Gentle Giant in Politics

Dr. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister was often marked by his reserved, unassuming nature. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he did not thrive in the spotlight, preferring a more understated approach to leadership. Yet, this very humility earned him widespread respect across political lines. Known for his calm demeanour and scholarly approach, he maintained a dignified distance from the usual political theatrics.

Throughout his political career, Dr. Singh remained committed to strengthening India’s democratic institutions. He was widely admired for his integrity and for steering India through several turbulent moments, including the 26/11 Mumbai attacks and the 2008 financial crisis. Despite his challenges, including coalition politics and allegations of inaction in the face of corruption scandals, Dr. Singh never wavered from his central goal: economic growth and the well-being of India’s people.

Tributes Pour In
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News of Dr. Singh’s death has led to an outpouring of tributes from political leaders across the spectrum. “Profoundly stunned and saddened by the sudden demise of our former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ji. I had worked with him and saw him from very close quarters in the Union Cabinet. His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms ushered in by him in the country are widely acknowledged. The country will miss his stewardship and I shall miss his affection”, wrote West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on ‘X’. TMC supremo has been a close ally of Dr Manmohan Singh’s UPA 1 between 2004 and 2012.


Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Dr. Singh’s party colleague and political heir, also paid tribute to the former Prime Minister, acknowledging his contributions to both the Congress Party and to the nation. Gandhi’s statement, emphasised the importance of Dr. Singh’s leadership in preserving India’s democratic values. “Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kaur and the family. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride” said Rahul Gandhi.

A Quiet Departure

Despite his fame, Dr. Singh led a private and reserved life in his later years. After retiring from active politics following his term as Prime Minister, he remained a respected figure in political and academic circles. He retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after serving for 33 years in the house. His intellectual contributions to policy and economics continued to influence the country’s trajectory. Dr. Singh is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their daughters. His passing brings to a close the life of a man whose economic acumen and dignified leadership left an indelible mark on India and the world.

As the nation mourns his loss, Dr. Manmohan Singh will be remembered as a transformative leader who played a key role in shaping India’s path towards becoming a global economic power. His quiet, steadfast leadership will be an enduring inspiration for future generations.​