(Associated Press): Manmohan Singh, India’s former Prime Minister and a pioneer of economic reforms, died at 92 in New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Admitted late Thursday after collapsing at home, doctors pronounced him dead at 9:51 p.m. Singh is remembered for his role in advancing India’s economy and securing a groundbreaking nuclear deal with the U.S.
Singh was receiving treatment for "age-related medical conditions," according to the hospital. His passing signifies the passing of a person who significantly influenced the political and economic climate of contemporary India. Singh was a polite technocrat who led the Congress Party in the Upper House of Parliament and was known for his intelligence and honesty.
In 2004, Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi, the widow of Rajiv Gandhi, appointed Singh to lead India. At first, his term was praised, but accusations of corruption against his ministers subsequently damaged his reputation. These scandals marred his second tenure and helped Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party defeat the Congress in the 2014 elections.
Singh stepped away from public life after leaving office but remained an influential figure in Indian politics. Prime Minister Modi described him as “one of India’s most distinguished leaders” and praised his efforts to improve the lives of citizens. Singh's "wisdom and humility" were emphasized by Modi, who also praised his perceptive parliamentary contributions.
Rahul Gandhi, a Congress Party leader, expressed deep admiration for Singh, calling him a mentor and guide. Gandhi emphasized Singh’s contributions to India’s economic progress and his leadership marked by wisdom and integrity. “Millions of us who respected him shall forever remember him with the highest pride,” he said.
Other nations commended Singh for improving India's ties with the United States. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken hailed him as a “champion of the U.S.-India strategic partnership” for his dedication to advancing relations between the two nations.
Born on September 26, 1932, in the Punjab region (then a part of undivided India), Singh was a bright student who attended Cambridge University, where he earned a degree in economics in 1957. Having earned his doctorate from Oxford University in 1962, Singh went on to teach at Punjab University and the Delhi School of Economics before joining the Indian government as an economic counselor in 1971.
In 1982, Singh was named the Finance Ministry's main economic counselor. He then rose to the position of deputy head of the Planning Commission and governor of the Reserve Bank of India. As Finance Minister in 1991, he guided India away from communist policies and liberalized its economy to prevent a financial catastrophe.
Throughout his career, Singh received numerous honors, including the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award. His other achievements include winning the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award and being elected Finance Minister of the Year in the early 1990s. His 1965 analysis of India's export trends is still considered a seminal work of economic literature.
Singh was the first Sikh to become India’s Prime Minister. During his tenure, he made a historic public apology in Parliament for the 1984 Sikh Massacre, where thousands of Sikhs were killed following Indira Gandhi’s assassination. His apology was seen as a significant step toward reconciliation.
India passed the Right to Information Act in 2005 under Singh's direction in an effort to increase accountability and transparency. He also championed a rural employment guarantee scheme, ensuring at least 100 days of paid work for rural citizens, a milestone in social welfare.
Singh's coalition government brought together ideologically disparate organizations to manage complex political issues. One of his greatest achievements was to bring an end to India's nuclear isolation by negotiating a deal with the United States that allowed India to use American nuclear technology. Following domestic criticism of this agreement, Communist allies stopped supporting it.
Singh had a practical foreign policy, settling long-standing disputes with China and pursuing peace with Pakistan. The 2008 Mumbai bombings shattered his aspirations to make peace with Pakistan. He did, however, make headway with China, reopening the Nathu La pass after it had been closed for decades.
India is now a major economic force in the world thanks to Singh's economic reforms. He is credited with fostering self-sustained growth and integrating India into the global economy. His intellectual contributions and leadership have left a lasting impact on India’s development.
Singh kept a low profile after leaving his position as prime minister, but his statesmanship continued to earn him recognition. His work in foreign affairs, social welfare, and economic policy is seen as revolutionary for India.
Singh's three daughters and wife, Gursharan Kaur, survive him. Millions of people in India and beyond are still motivated by his legacy as a reformer and visionary leader.
