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Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, lauded as a key figure in India’s economic transformation and the negotiation of a significant nuclear agreement with the United States, has passed away at the age of 92.
Singh was hospitalized at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi late on Thursday after experiencing a sudden loss of consciousness at home. The hospital confirmed that despite immediate resuscitative efforts, he could not be revived and was pronounced dead shortly after.
According to the hospital’s statement, Singh had been receiving treatment for various “age-related medical conditions.”
A prominent technocrat, Singh served as Prime Minister for a decade, earning respect for his integrity and expertise. He was appointed to the role in 2004 by Sonia Gandhi, following the assassination of her husband, Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. His tenure was marked by significant economic reforms aimed at liberalizing India’s economy.
However, his administration faced challenges, particularly regarding corruption allegations involving some of his ministers. While he was reelected in 2009, his second term was marred by scandals, including issues surrounding the 2010 Commonwealth Games. These troubles ultimately contributed to a significant defeat for his party, the Congress Party, in the 2014 elections, which saw the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Narendra Modi.
Post-premiership, Singh largely maintained a low profile, but his contributions were recognized by current Prime Minister Modi, who referred to him as one of India’s “most distinguished leaders.” Modi expressed admiration for Singh’s influence on economic policy and his dedication to improving citizens’ lives.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute, highlighting Singh’s profound understanding of economics and his role as a guide and mentor. He emphasized that Singh would be remembered with pride by countless admirers.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken extended condolences, lauding Singh as a pivotal champion of U.S.-India relations. Blinken remarked on Singh’s commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.
Born on September 26, 1932, in Punjab, Singh’s academic journey included degrees from Cambridge University and a doctorate from Oxford. His early career involved teaching before stepping into government service in the 1970s, eventually rising to the position of finance minister in 1991. In this capacity, he introduced landmark economic reforms that transitioned India towards a market-oriented economy during a period of financial crisis.
His significant contributions earned him numerous accolades, including the Padma Vibhushan Award in 1987 and the Asia Money Award for Finance Minister of the Year in both 1993 and 1994.
Singh also left an indelible mark on Indian governance, championing the Right to Information Act in 2005, which aimed to enhance transparency. He was notable for instituting a rural employment scheme that guaranteed workdays for rural citizens.
His leadership was characterized by a coalition government that unified a diverse array of political ideologies. Among his notable foreign policy achievements, Singh played a key role in restoring India’s standing in the global nuclear arena through the U.S.-India nuclear deal, although it sparked internal controversy and the withdrawal of support from Communist allies.
Additionally, Singh sought to foster dialogue with neighboring Pakistan and worked towards resolving long-standing border issues with China.
Manmohan Singh leaves behind his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters.
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