India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform programme and a landmark nuclear deal with the United States, has died. He was 92.
Singh was admitted to New Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences late Thursday after his health deteriorated due to “sudden loss of consciousness at home”.
“With profound grief, we inform the demise of the former Prime Minister of India, Dr Manmohan Singh, aged 92. He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had a sudden loss of consciousness at home on 26 December 2024. 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,” said AIIMS, New Delhi, in a statement.
Singh, an economist-turned-politician, also served as the governor of the central bank.
After his demise, heartfelt tributes poured in for the former prime minster:
“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,” PM Modi said on X.
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… pic.twitter.com/clW00Yv6oP
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 26, 2024
President Droupadi Murmu said, “Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh Ji was one of those rare politicians who also straddled the worlds of academia and administration with equal ease. In his various roles in public offices, he made critical contributions to reforming the Indian economy. He will always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility. His passing is a great loss to all of us. I pay my respectful homage to one of the greatest sons of Bharat and convey my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and admirers.”
President Droupadi Murmu says, "Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh Ji was one of those rare politicians who also straddled the worlds of academia and administration with equal ease. In his various roles in public offices, he made critical contributions to reforming the… pic.twitter.com/IB8dusuFtA
— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2024
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge posted on X, “Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji! With the passing of the Former Prime Minister, India has lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled stature. His policy of Economic Liberalisation and Rights-based welfare paradigm profoundly transformed the lives of crores of Indians, virtually creating a Middle Class in India and lifting crores out of poverty…”
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge tweets, "Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji! With the passing of the Former Prime Minister, India has lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled stature.… pic.twitter.com/kN2YSAxtbA
— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2024
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar posted on X, “Deeply pained to learn about the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, former Prime Minister and a distinguished economist who transformed India’s economic landscape. A Padma Vibhushan awardee and architect of India’s economic liberalisation in 1991, he boldly steered our nation through a critical transition, opening new pathways for growth and prosperity…”
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar tweets, "Deeply pained to learn about the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, former Prime Minister and a distinguished economist who transformed India's economic landscape. A Padma Vibhushan awardee and architect of India's economic liberalisation… pic.twitter.com/9qk908tm1e
— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2024
Congress leader and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi said on X, “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 and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi tweets, "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.… pic.twitter.com/WoOy6JXUTa
— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2024
“It’s very tragic. He was a great prime minister who served the nation. we are cancelling all our programmes and rushing back to Delhi…,” said Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.
#WATCH | Former PM Manmohan Sinh Demise | Congress leader Shashi Tharoor says, "It's very tragic. He was a great prime minister who served the nation. we are cancelling all our programmes and rushing back to Delhi..." pic.twitter.com/GUWJb4tRLN
— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2024
“The passing of Former Prime Minister and Economist Shri Manmohan Singh ji is an immense loss for the nation. A visionary statesman and a stalwart of Indian politics, throughout his remarkable career in public service, he consistently voiced for the welfare of the downtrodden,” posted BJP chief JP Nadda on X.
“His leadership earned admiration and respect across party lines. Shri Manmohan Singh ji’s legacy will continue to inspire generations in their pursuit of nation-building. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. Om Shanti,” he added.
The passing of Former Prime Minister and Economist Shri Manmohan Singh ji is an immense loss for the nation. A visionary statesman and a stalwart of Indian politics, throughout his remarkable career in public service, he consistently voiced for the welfare of the downtrodden.…
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) December 26, 2024
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani posted on X, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh. History will forever honour his pivotal role in the transformative 1991 reforms that reshaped India and opened its doors to the world. A rare leader who spoke softly but achieved monumental strides through his actions, Dr Singh’s life remains a masterclass in leadership, humility and service to the nation and will inspire generations to come.”
Adani Group Chairman Gautam Adani tweets, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr Manmohan Singh. History will forever honour his pivotal role in the transformative 1991 reforms that reshaped India and opened its doors to the world. A rare leader who spoke softly but achieved… pic.twitter.com/K5aGKWlElR
— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2024
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on X, “The news of the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is extremely sad. From being the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to the Finance Minister of the country and as the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh played an important role in the governance of the country. I express my condolences to his family and supporters in this hour of grief. May Waheguru grant peace to his soul and give strength to his family to bear this grief.”
Union Home Minister Amit Shah tweets, "The news of the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is extremely sad. From being the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India to the Finance Minister of the country and as the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh played an… pic.twitter.com/YWIy8gvvCF
— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2024
UP CM Yogi Adityanath said on X, “The demise of former Prime Minister and renowned economist Dr Manmohan Singh is extremely sad and an irreparable loss to Indian politics. As Finance Minister and Prime Minister, he played an important role in the governance of the country… I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant salvation to the departed soul and give strength to his bereaved family and supporters to bear this immense sorrow…”
UP CM Yogi Adityanath says, "The demise of former Prime Minister and renowned economist Dr Manmohan Singh is extremely sad and an irreparable loss to Indian politics. As Finance Minister and Prime Minister, he played an important role in the governance of the country... I pray to… pic.twitter.com/UtJARmeiaJ
— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2024
“My heartfelt condolences on the passing away of our former Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh ji.
Om Shanti 🙏🏼” Former cricketer Virender Sehwag posted on X.
My heartfelt condolences on the passing away of our former Prime Minister Shri Manmohan Singh ji.
— Virrender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 26, 2024
Om Shanti 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/uPkmiCm5C4
“Saddened by the news of sudden demise of former Prime Minister, a thorough gentleman, and a visionary leader, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji 💔💔What truly set him apart was his calm and steady leadership in times of crisis, his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, and his unwavering belief in India’s potential. Nation will always remember Dr. Saheb for his contributions. My deepest condolences to his family and relatives.
Satnam Waheguru 🙏’ Former cricketer Harbhajan Singh wrote on X.
Saddened by the news of sudden demise of former Prime Minister, a thorough gentleman, and a visionary leader, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji 💔💔What truly set him apart was his calm and steady leadership in times of crisis, his ability to navigate complex political landscapes, and his… pic.twitter.com/WKbjrnADJQ
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 26, 2024
With inputs from agencies