India mourns loss of former PM Manmohan Singh
| 2024-12-28
Former PM Manmohan Singh cremated with full state honours in New Delhi on December 28
He passed away at the age of 92 due to age-related health complications on December 26, 2024
Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, an iconic economist and a two-time head of government was cremated with full state honours on Saturday in New Delhi.
As the news of his demise broke, condolences poured in from across the nation and the globe, highlighting his unparalleled contributions to India’s development and global diplomacy.
President Droupadi Murmu paid tribute, calling Dr. Manmohan Singh a “rare politician” who seamlessly navigated academia and governance. “His service to the nation, unblemished political life, and utmost humility will always be remembered,” she said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who succeeded Dr. Singh in 2014, expressed profound sorrow over the loss. In a post on X, PM Modi described him as “One of India’s most distinguished leaders,” who rose from humble beginnings to become a respected economist and statesman. “His interventions in Parliament were insightful, and as our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” Modi said.
Global outpourings of grief
World leaders also joined in mourning Dr. Singh’s demise, emphasizing his significant role in fostering international partnerships. US President Joe Biden called Dr Singh a “true statesman”, saying he “charted path breaking progress that will continue to strengthen our nations – and the world – for generations to come”.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hailed him as “one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership.” “His work laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together over the past two decades,” Blinken said, referring to the landmark US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper called Dr. Singh “an individual of exceptional intelligence and integrity.” Meanwhile, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai described him as “an unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan.”
Brazilian President Lula da Silva reminisced about their collaboration on global platforms such as IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) and BRICS. “My condolences to the people of India. Dr. Singh’s vision for a fairer world and cooperation in the Global South will be missed,” Lula said.
Former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa lauded him as “a visionary economist” whose liberalization policies ushered India into a new era of prosperity.
Dr. Manmohan Singh served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, leading the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for two consecutive terms. He was instrumental to steering India through some of its most transformative economic and social reforms. Known for his integrity, humility, and dedication, he commanded respect across the political spectrum.
A life of unparalleled contributions
Before becoming Prime Minister, Dr. Singh had an illustrious career as an economist and public servant. He served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, and Finance Minister of India. His 1991 budget, which liberalized India’s economy, remains a defining moment in the nation’s history.
Dr. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant milestones, including the introduction of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), the India-US nuclear deal, and landmark social welfare schemes.
The government has declared seven days of national mourning, during which the national flag will fly at half-mast. The nation remembers him not only as a leader but as a man whose quiet resolve and visionary thinking transformed India’s trajectory.
As tributes continue to pour in, the legacy of Dr. Manmohan Singh as an architect of modern India remains firmly etched in the nation’s memory. His contributions to economic reforms, governance, and diplomacy will continue to inspire future generations.
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