Manmohan Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away in New Delhi at the age of 92. Singh made history as the first individual from the Sikh faith to assume the position of prime minister and was widely recognized for his significant contributions to India’s economic reforms. However, his leadership faced criticism, with some perceiving him as a weak figure, even within his own party, the Indian National Congress.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Singh, stating, “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders.” He acknowledged Singh’s humble beginnings and his dedication to improving the lives of Indian citizens.
While Singh’s ten-year premiership is notable, many political analysts emphasize that his role as finance minister in the early 1990s was pivotal. Singh’s visionary policies at that time initiated pivotal liberalization and globalization efforts, setting India’s economy on a transformative path. Notably, his 1991 budget is considered one of the most critical in India’s history, heralding a new era for the nation by opening its market to foreign investment and decreasing regulatory barriers.
Born on September 26, 1932, in what is now Pakistan, Singh and his family migrated to India during the violent partition in 1947. An economist educated at Oxford, Singh tackled a severe economic crisis as finance minister, when India’s foreign exchange reserves were perilously low. His policies reversed decades of socialist economics and are credited with putting India on a sustainable growth trajectory.
In 2004, Singh ascended to the premiership after Sonia Gandhi declined the position following the Congress party’s electoral success. Despite facing skepticism and being dubbed a “puppet” of the Gandhi family, Singh’s tenure saw India navigate through numerous challenges, including the global economic downturn of 2008 and complex international relations, particularly with Pakistan and China. His foreign policy initiatives also strengthened U.S.-India ties, culminating in a historic nuclear agreement.
However, Singh’s second term was overshadowed by controversies and corruption scandals, leading to a significant electoral defeat for the Congress party in 2014. Though he did not run again, he was cleared of any wrongdoing related to the scandals.
After his tenure, Singh remained in New Delhi with his family and is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters. Adored for his humility and integrity, Singh is remembered as one of India’s most graceful leaders. As he stated in his farewell speech, “Serving this nation has been my privilege.”
In summary, Manmohan Singh’s legacy as a critical architect of India’s economic policies and his graceful handling of political challenges will resonate in Indian history. His commitment to public service and the welfare of the nation stands as a testament to the impact one leader can have on the course of a nation, providing hope for future leaders to follow in his footsteps.