New Delhi: Architect of the country’s economic reforms, a gentleman politician and the 14th Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, passed away in New Delhi on Thursday. He was 92.
Reports said that Singh was on Thursday evening admitted to the emergency department of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where he breathed his last. The hospital has confirmed.
The former Prime Minister was administered CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), but efforts to revive him remained unsuccessful, said sources.
Known as the father of India’s modern economy, Singh earned a Master’s degree in Economics from Panjab University, Chandigarh, and later obtained a doctorate from the University of Oxford. Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah village, West Punjab (now in Pakistan), Singh’s dreams of visiting his birthplace remained unfulfilled due to ups and downs in Indo-Pak relations.
Singh served as Prime Minister from May 22, 2004, to May 26, 2014, leading the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for a historic 3,656 days. His tenure made him the third longest-serving Prime Minister in Indian history, following Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi.
Starting as the Economic Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Trade in 1971, he quickly rose through the ranks. By 1976, he was Chief Economic Advisor in the Ministry of Finance. Over the years, he held several key roles, including Director of the Reserve Bank of India, Alternate Governor for India at the Asian Development Bank and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and Member (Finance) at the Atomic Energy and Space Commissions.
Singh’s legacy will forever be tied to the transformative economic reforms he initiated during his tenure as Finance Minister in 1991. These reforms not only liberalized the Indian economy but also paved the way for its global integration.
“With profound grief, we inform the demise of the former Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, aged 92. He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had a sudden loss of consciousness at home on 26 December 2024. Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency at AIIMS, New Delhi at 8:06 PM. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 PM,” AIIMS, New Delhi.
“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 Modi.
File Photo
“Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji! With the passing of the Former Prime Minister, India has lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled stature. His policy of Economic Liberalisation and Rights-based welfare paradigm profoundly transformed the lives of crores of Indians, virtually creating a Middle Class in India and lifting crores out of poverty. I mourn the loss of a lifelong senior colleague, a gentle intellectual and a humble soul who embodied the aspirations of India, having risen through the ranks with unwavering dedication. I am proud to have been a part of his Cabinet as Labour Minister, Railway Minister and Social Welfare Minister. A man of action rather than words, his immense contribution to nation-building will forever be etched in the annals of Indian history. In this moment of sorrow, I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers. May they get the strength to overcome this huge loss. His enduring legacy of ushering in India’s growth, welfare, and policies of inclusivity will forever be cherished. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” Cong President, Malilikarjun Kharge
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“Very sorry to hear about the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. I had many occasions to interact & learn from him. He was truly an intellectual giant, an accomplished economist but above all he was a thorough gentleman, a giant among pygmies. India has lost a great son with his passing. Rest in peace sir & thank you for everything,” J&K CM, Omar Abdullah.
“I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Manmohan Singh & I am certain that he was one of the most humble and gentle souls I’ve encountered – an extremely rare trait in politicians today. His humility & kindness were evident even during his double tenure as Prime Minister when he would personally return calls. Despite the challenges he faced, Dr. Singh worked tirelessly to advance the peace process and usher in a new era of development in Jammu and Kashmir. He was a man of few words whose welfare schemes brought relief to millions of Indians cutting across caste, creed & religion,” Mehbooba Mufti.
“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 Modi.
“Very sorry to hear about the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. I had many occasions to interact & learn from him. He was truly an intellectual giant, an accomplished economist but above all he was a thorough gentleman, a giant among pygmies. India has lost a great son with his passing. Rest in peace sir & thank you for everything,” J&K CM, Omar Abdullah.
