India is mourning the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92. Singh, a key figure in India’s economic liberalization, served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. His state funeral, held in New Delhi, saw his coffin adorned with flowers, flanked by a guard of honor, and taken to the Congress party headquarters. The coffin will later be cremated with full state honors, accompanied by soldiers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Singh as one of India’s “most distinguished leaders.” Rahul Gandhi, the Congress opposition leader, expressed his grief, calling Singh a “mentor and guide” who led India with “immense wisdom and integrity.” U.S. President Joe Biden honored Singh as a “true statesman,” praising his efforts that led to progress benefiting not only India but the world.
Dr. Manmohan Singh – A Visionary Leader
Manmohan Singh was a respected economist and technocrat. He was born in 1932 in Gah, a village in what is now Pakistan, and studied economics to help address poverty in India. Singh earned scholarships to study at Cambridge and Oxford, where he excelled academically, and later held key civil service roles, including as a central bank governor. He also worked with global organizations, including the United Nations.
In 1991, Singh was appointed finance minister by then-Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao to rescue India from its worst financial crisis. Despite never having held an elected post, Singh became the Congress party’s candidate for Prime Minister in 2004. His first term was marked by significant economic growth, with India’s economy growing at a 9% rate. Singh also secured a historic nuclear deal with the U.S. to address India’s growing energy needs.
However, Singh’s second term was overshadowed by corruption scandals, rising inflation, and slowing economic growth, leading to his declining popularity. This paved the way for Narendra Modi’s landslide victory in 2014. Despite these challenges, Singh is remembered for his humility, service, and the foundation he built for India’s economic growth.
