Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who transformed India’s economy from a socialist model to a market-driven powerhouse and served as the nation’s leader for a decade, died Thursday, December 26, 2024, at All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi. He was 92.
Singh was admitted to the hospital Thursday evening after experiencing “sudden loss of consciousness at home,” according to a hospital statement. Despite immediate resuscitative measures, he was pronounced dead at 9:51 p.m.
The Indian government held seven days of state mourning, with a funeral service on December 28 at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Singh as “one of India’s most distinguished leaders who rose from humble origins and left a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years.”
Born on September 26, 1932, in a village in Punjab province during British rule, Singh rose from modest beginnings to become one of India’s most educated leaders. He earned his economics degree from Cambridge University in 1957 and completed his doctorate from Oxford University’s Nuffield College in 1962. Before entering government service, Singh taught at Panjab University and the Delhi School of Economics.
His government career began in 1971 as an economic advisor in the Commerce Ministry. He later served as chief economic adviser to the Finance Ministry in 1972, deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, and governor of the Reserve Bank of India. As finance minister in 1991, facing a severe balance of payments crisis, Singh implemented groundbreaking reforms that liberalized India’s economy, eliminated the complex licensing system, and opened the country to foreign investment.
Singh became Prime Minister in 2004 after Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi declined the position and chose him to lead the government. He was the first Sikh to hold India’s highest office. He made history by issuing a formal apology in Parliament for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots that killed approximately 3,000 people following Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination.
During his tenure, Singh implemented the Right to Information Act in 2005 and established the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, ensuring 100 paid workdays for rural citizens. His administration’s landmark achievement was the 2008 civil nuclear agreement with the United States, which ended India’s nuclear isolation and provided access to American nuclear technology despite strong domestic opposition.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Singh “one of the greatest champions of the U.S.-India strategic partnership,” noting his dedication to strengthening ties between the two nations.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi praised Singh’s economic acumen: “His deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride.”
Singh’s second term faced challenges, including financial scandals and corruption allegations surrounding the 2010 Commonwealth Games, leading to his Congress Party’s defeat in the 2014 election. Despite these controversies, he maintained a reputation for personal integrity throughout his career.
His diplomatic efforts included pursuing peace with Pakistan and resolving border disputes with China, including reopening the Nathu La pass into Tibet after a 40-year closure. The Mumbai terror attacks of 2008, which killed 166 people, severely strained relations with Pakistan, though Singh maintained a measured response to avoid escalating tensions.
Singh’s accolades included the 1987 Padma Vibhushan Award, India’s second-highest civilian honor, and the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year in 1993 and 1994. He authored the influential 1965 book “India’s Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth,” which analyzed India’s trade policies and economic potential.
He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and three daughters.
