India (Commonwealth Union)_ Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, passed away on the night of December 26, 2024, at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. He was 92 years old. Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was undergoing treatment for age-related medical conditions when he suffered a sudden loss of consciousness at home. They rushed him to AIIMS immediately, but despite all efforts to revive him, they declared him dead at 9:51 PM.
An official statement form AIIMS Delhi confirmed the news of Singh’s demise. “With profound grief, we inform the demise of Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, aged 92. On December 26, 2024, while receiving treatment for age-related medical conditions, he suddenly lost consciousness at home. 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,” read the medical bulletin.
National mourning
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences and praised Singh’s immense contributions to India’s growth and development. “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he became a respected economist and served in various government positions, leaving a significant impact on India’s economic policies. His tenure as Prime Minister marked efforts to improve the lives of people, and his interventions in Parliament were always insightful,” Modi wrote on X.
In recognition of Singh’s contributions, the Government of India declared seven days of national mourning, from December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025. The country will fly the national flag at half-mast and suspend official entertainment during this period. The government also declared that Singh would receive a state funeral. All Indian embassies and high commissions abroad will fly the national flag at half-mast on the day of Singh’s funeral.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed his condolences to Singh, highlighting his major role in the economic rebuilding of India. “Dr. Manmohan Singh was widely respected for his service and intellect. His contributions to India’s progress will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti!” Rajnath Singh wrote. Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, also expressed her sorrow, emphasizing Singh’s unparalleled wisdom and the lasting impact of his financial reforms. “Dr. Manmohan Singh’s erudition and wisdom were unquestionable. The depth of the financial reforms he brought about in India is widely acknowledged,” Banerjee said.
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The architect of India’s economic reforms
Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as one of India’s most accomplished economists, played a key role in transforming the Indian economy. He is best known for his pivotal contributions to India’s liberalisation in 1991, which reshaped the country’s economic landscape. Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, West Punjab (now in Pakistan), Singh grew up in modest circumstances before rising to become an influential figure in global economics. Singh’s educational journey was remarkable. He graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Economics from Panjab University and then went to the University of Cambridge, where he graduated with a First Class Honours degree. He then completed his postgraduate studies at Nuffield College, Oxford, earning a D.Phil. in Economics. His academic achievements set the stage for a distinguished career in economics, both in India and internationally.
Before becoming Prime Minister, Singh served in several significant governmental roles, including as India’s Finance Minister in the early 1990s. His tenure as Finance Minister was marked by bold economic reforms, including the devaluation of the rupee, the abolition of the licence raj, and the opening up of various sectors to private and foreign investment. These reforms were crucial in ending India’s economic stagnation and setting the country on a path of sustained growth. Under his leadership, India saw an unprecedented wave of economic growth, with foreign direct investment (FDI) surging and the middle class expanding rapidly. His policies laid the foundation for a dynamic and diverse economy, enabling India to emerge as a key player on the global stage.
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A legacy of economic transformation
Singh’s most lasting legacy is his role in spearheading India’s economic liberalisation. The 1991 reforms, which he played a central part in, included critical measures such as the reduction of trade barriers, the introduction of market-oriented policies, and the privatisation of several state-owned enterprises. These reforms opened up India to global competition and capital flows, transforming the nation into one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. Singh’s economic vision also included social reforms aimed at addressing the needs of the poor and marginalized. Singh’s government prioritized the expansion of healthcare, education, and rural infrastructure to ensure a more equitable distribution of the benefits of economic growth across society.
The initiatives taken during his tenure have had a profound and lasting impact on India’s development trajectory. Even after stepping down from the role of Prime Minister in 2014, Singh remained an influential voice in Indian politics and global economic affairs. His contributions to India’s economic progress are widely acknowledged, and his leadership during crucial moments of economic and political upheaval earned him respect from both domestic and international leaders. Dr. Manmohan Singh’s demise signals the end of an era in the Indian political and economic landscape. Generations to come will remember his contributions to India’s growth, his role in transforming the nation’s economy, and his stature as a statesman.