Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India and a key figure in the country’s economic liberalization, has passed away at the age of 92.
Singh, one of India’s longest-serving prime ministers, held office from 2004 to 2014. Before that, as finance minister in the 1990s, he spearheaded transformative economic reforms that reshaped India’s economy. Reports indicate that Singh had been hospitalized in Delhi after his health deteriorated.
Tributes poured in following his death. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Singh as “one of India’s most distinguished leaders” and praised his “wisdom and humility.” Modi also acknowledged Singh’s efforts to improve the lives of Indians during his tenure as prime minister.
Congress party leaders also paid their respects. Priyanka Gandhi described Singh as “genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong-willed, and courageous until the end.” Her brother Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader, said he had “lost a mentor and guide.”
Singh made history as the first Indian leader since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full term and as the first Sikh to hold the country’s highest office. During his tenure, he publicly apologized in parliament for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, in which around 3,000 Sikhs were killed.
While Singh’s first term as prime minister was widely lauded, his second term was overshadowed by corruption scandals, which many believe contributed to the Congress party’s heavy defeat in the 2014 general election.
Further details regarding funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
