Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh took his last breath at
Delhi's AIIMS hospital. In a statement, the hospital said, "the Congress veteran was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had sudden loss of consciousness at home. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51pm."
He was Prime Minister for two terms in the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government from 2004 to 2014. He had been in poor health for the last few months. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered his predecessor as the "most distinguished leaders". He said, "Dr Manmohan Singh was a distinguished parliamentarian, known for his unwavering commitment to duty. Even in his final days as a Rajya Sabha MP, he actively participated in parliamentary proceedings. A visionary economist, his brilliance and dedication have left an indelible mark on the nation. India will forever honour his remarkable contributions."
He is credited with spearheading the 1991 economic reforms that opened India's markets to globalisation, lifted millions out of poverty, and set the country on a path of sustained economic growth.
Condolences from India
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi said he "lost a mentor and guide".
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin credited Dr. Singh for steering India’s economic transformation. Former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram said that Dr. Singh’s work from 1991 till 2014 will be remembered as a “golden chapter in the history of India”
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed grief on the passing away of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He highlighted the role Dr Singh played, not only in India's economic reforms but also in providing strategic corrections to Indian foreign policy.
"He will always be remembered as a great," said Rajya Sabha deputy chairman Harivansh
"Manmohan Singh was a visionary economist with integrity," said Raghuram Rajan
"Manmohan Singh's contribution in shaping economic landscape of country will always be remembered," said Tripura CM
Other leaders across party lines also offered their tributes to the former prime minister.
Tribute from World Leaders
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken described Dr Singh as one of the "greatest champions" of the US-India strategic partnership. Highlighting his pivotal role in advancing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, Blinken said, "Dr Singh's work laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades. His economic reforms spurred India's rapid growth, and his legacy will always be remembered."
In Canada, former Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed deep sorrow, calling Singh an individual of "exceptional intelligence, integrity, and wisdom". He said that Dr Singh's leadership was admired both within India and internationally.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai also paid tribute, emphasising Singh's unwavering support for Afghanistan. "India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. Dr Manmohan Singh was an unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan. I profoundly mourn his passing," Karzai said.
Echoing similar sentiments, former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed described Singh as a benevolent and dependable figure. "I always found him a delight to work with, and like a benevolent father figure. He was a good friend of the Maldives," Nasheed said in his tribute.Former President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai in a post on X said that India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. Calling him an "unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan", Karzai profoundly mourned Singh's passing and expressed his deepest condolences.
Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov said that the passing away of Singh is a moment of poignant sorrow and grief for India and Russia. He wrote on X, "It is a moment of poignant sorrow and grief for India and for Russia. Dr Manmohan Singh's contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable. His suave demeanor was always endearing as unquestionable was his expertise as an economist and his commitment to the progress of India."
