Manmohan Singh, gentleman politician who opened up India’s economy in 1991

High point of his 10-year-long Prime Ministership was his handling of the Indo-U.S. nuclear deal; under him, there was also a gradual departure from the Nehruvian approach to foreign policy; before he became India’s Finance Minister, he had held every top economic job, including RBI Governor and Union Finance Secretary

Dr Manmohan Singh, the economist turned politician, served as prime minister of India for two terms, joining the likes of Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Narendra Modi as one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers. His two terms as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2009 and 2009 to 2014, were periods of high economic growth for India. However, his legacy extends to way before he held the highest executive office in the country. He has held almost all posts of significance to the economic welfare of the country, its industry and its people: from Governor of RBI to head of the Planning Commission and, crucially, as Finance Minister during an economic crisis, that saw India shed its Licence Raj and embrace market economics.
Born in 1932 in Punjab Province of what is now Pakistan, Manmohan Singh migrated to Amritsar during partition. He completed his Matriculation, Bachelor’s and Master’s from Punjab University before heading to the University of Cambridge, where he earned his honours degree in Economics in 1957.
After this, he earned his doctorate in Economics from Nuffield College at Oxford University in 1962.
Manmohan Singh’s political career began after he joined the government of India in 1971 as an economic advisor for the Ministry of Commerce. Soon, he was appointed as the Chief Economic Advisor in the Finance Ministry.
Following his term at the Finance Ministry in 1972, Dr Singh held several governmental positions such as Secretary in the Ministry of Finance; Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission; Governor of the Reserve Bank of India; Advisor of the Prime Minister; and Chairman of the University Grants Commission.
Under the leadership of PV Narasimha Rao, Dr Singh served as the finance minister from 1991 to 1996. During his tenure, the economist played a key role in the liberalisation of the Indian economy, which allowed it to speed up development dramatically. His budgets reduced import tariffs and opened up the economy, bringing in foreign players to the Indian market and ringing in the era of globalisation for India.
Under his leadership, India recorded its highest GDP growth of 9 per cent and became the second fastest-growing major economy.
After the Congress party won the general elections of 2004, Dr Singh was tapped by Sonia Gandhi for the top post in the government. During his tenure as Prime Minister, major strides were made in the health and education sectors with the introducing the National Rural Health Mission and the Right to Education Act. His tenure also saw the introduction of the MGNREGS for rural employment guarantee.
While the world reeled under the impact of the 2008 economic crisis, India’s relative stability has been credited at least in part to deft management by Dr. Singh. His repute is reflected in the then US President Barack Obama‘s comment at the 2010 G20 meeting, “I can tell you that here at G20, when the Prime Minister speaks, people listen”.
The big test for Dr. Singh’s political savvy was the civilian nuclear deal with the US, which was finalised in 2008 after much political haggling with alliance partners in the UPA coalition as well as within the Congress party. During his second tenure as PM, his image would take a beating with the the 2G scam. After the Congress went out of power in 2014, Dr. Singh remained a respected voice as Rajya Sabha member.
Dr Singh is survived by his wife Mrs. Gursharan Kaur and three daughters – Upinder Singh, Daman Singh and Amrit Singh.
Condolences pour in from world leaders on Manmohan Singh’s death
Condolences have poured in from across the globe, including from the US, Canada and Sri Lanka following the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Leaders from neighbouring countries, including Nepal, Maldives and Afghanistan, expressed deep grief over Singh’s passing, highlighting his contributions and warm relations with their nations.
Dr Singh, the architect of India’s economic reforms, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on Thursday night. He was 92.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called him “one of the greatest champions of the bilateral strategic partnership.”
“Dr Singh was one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership, and his work laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades,” US Secretary of State Tony Blinken said.
Offering sincere condolences to the people of India for the passing of Singh, Blinken said the leadership of the former prime minister in advancing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signified a major investment in the potential of the US-India relationship.
“At home, Dr Singh will be remembered for his economic reforms that spurred India’s rapid economic growth. We mourn Dr Singh’s passing and will always remember his dedication to bringing the United States and India closer together,” Blinken said.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he was saddened to learn of the passing of his former colleague, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
“He was an individual of exceptional intelligence, integrity, and wisdom. Laureen and I wish to convey our condolences to all his family and friends,” he said.
Former Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said in a post on X, “Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh, a visionary leader and an extraordinary statesman. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of India. His legacy will inspire generations.”
Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed wrote X that he found the former Prime Minister as a “benevolent father figure” and a good friend of Maldives.
“So sad to hear Manmohan Singh has passed. I always found him a delight to work with and like a benevolent father figure. He was a good friend of the Maldives,” Nasheed said.
Former President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa called him a “visionary economist and the architect of India’s economic liberalisation.”
“Deeply saddened by the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. A visionary economist and the architect of India’s economic liberalization, his contributions shaped a new era for India. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of India.”
Former President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai in a post on X said that India has lost one of its most illustrious sons.
Calling him an “unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan”, Karzai profoundly mourned Singh’s passing and expressed his deepest condolences.
“India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. DrManmohanSingh was an unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan. I profoundly mourn his passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family, the government, and the people of India. May his soul find eternal peace,” Karzai said.
Government sources said a seven-day national mourning will be observed and that Singh’s last rites will be conducted with full state honours.
India bid farewell to one of its most illustrious sons, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister and an ace economist whose contributions to the nation’s economic landscape and governance left an indelible mark. Dr. Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 today in New Delhi, was revered for his integrity, intellect, and quiet determination in shaping India’s modern trajectory.
As soon as news of his passing came, PM Modi, taking to X, said: “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.”
Leader of Opposition and Congress stalwart, Rahul Gandhi paid his tributes to the former PM by writing: “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.”
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi too paid her condolences. She wrote: “Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji did. His honesty will always be an inspiration for us and he will forever stand tall among those who truly love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation despite being subjected to unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents. He was genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong-willed and courageous until the end. A uniquely dignified and gentle man in the rough world of politics.”
Senior Congress leader, Salman Khurshid, wrote, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. His contributions to the nation and his dedication to public service will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
President Droupadi Murmu said former PM Manmohan Singh will always be remembered for his “service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility”, adding that his passing is a great loss to the nation.