Former Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, considered the architect of economic reforms that opened up the world’s most populous country more three decades ago, has died, aged 92 years.
“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 … As our prime minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” wrote current Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X.
Singh led India for a decade, from 2004 to 2014. But it is perhaps as finance minister that he left his legacy. Facing soaring oil prices, billions in debt, and dwindling foreign exchange reserves, India ushered in landmark reforms on July 24, 1991.
Singh effectively ended India’s economic isolation, dismantled licensing controls and trade barriers, devalued the rupee and broke up state monopolies.
“No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come,” said Singh at the time, quoting French author Victor Hugo.
The idea was to ensure India’s “emergence as a major economic power in the world,” said Singh, who was educated at Cambridge and Oxford universities in Britain.
“Let the whole world hear it loud and clear,” the normally soft-spoken politician said, “India is now wide awake. We shall overcome.”
He became the country’s first Sikh prime minister in 2004, when Indian National Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi stunned supporters by refusing the post and nominated her most trusted lieutenant.
Singh headed the United Progressive Alliance coalition government for two consecutive five-year terms.
Singh’s coalition government faced a severe credibility crisis in the second term, tarnished by allegations of large-scale corruption, weak leadership, slowing economic growth and an inability to control inflation.
Supporters point out major achievements of Singh’s government, such as pulling millions out of poverty with social sector schemes.
He was taken to the emergency room on Thursday evening after losing consciousness at home, according to a statement from the AIIMS hospital in New Delhi. He was then declared dead at the hospital. He had been receiving treatment for age-related illnesses.
Tinubu mourns ex-Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh
President Bola Tinubu has extended condolences to the government and people of India on the death of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh.
Singh, India’s prime minister between 2004 and 2014, died Thursday at the age of 92, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the president’s spokesman, said in a statement.
He said Singh’s official visit to Nigeria in 2007 was historic, and that he earned the honour of addressing a joint session of the National Assembly, a privilege accorded to only a few global leaders.
Tinubu paid tribute to Singh’s dedication to strengthening the Nigeria-India relationship, saying that his diplomatic efforts remained a reference point in the history of the bilateral relations between the two nations.
The president recounted the establishment of the Strategic Partnership between Nigeria and India under Singh’s tenure, which has continued to flourish, driving political and economic prosperity for both countries.
Tinubu further lauded Singh’s efforts to forge improved cooperation in defence trade, culture, education, health, science and technology, and ICT.
He saluted Singh’s role in steering India’s economic reforms during globally challenging times. He prayed that the departed prime minister’s dedication to service would inspire the people of India.