Manmohan Singh, India's reluctant leader, passes away at 92
- Manmohan Singh was admitted to a hospital after a sudden loss of consciousness and died shortly thereafter.
- He served as Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014 and was a key figure in steering India's economic reform program.
- His passing is mourned nationwide, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledging his distinguished contributions to the country's economic policy.
In New Delhi, India, on December 26, 2024, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92, after being admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences due to a sudden loss of consciousness. His health had been deteriorating, attributed to age-related medical issues. He was declared dead shortly after arrival at the hospital. Singh had a notable political career, serving as Prime Minister for a decade, where he was regarded as the architect of India's economic reforms and the strategic nuclear deal with the United States. Singh's tenure began in 2004 when he was unexpectedly made Prime Minister by Sonia Gandhi, leader of the Congress party. Known for his humble origins and reputation for personal integrity, Singh's first term was marked by significant economic reforms, including the liberalization of India's economy, which contributed to substantial growth and lifted millions out of poverty. He famously navigated the country through a severe economic crisis in the early 1990s and was instrumental in deregulating sectors that had kept India insulated from global markets for decades. However, Singh's administration also faced substantial challenges. His time in office was marred by allegations of corruption against his ministers, particularly during his second term from 2009 to 2014. Scandals such as the Commonwealth Games controversy and the 2G spectrum case damaged the government’s credibility. Despite being an accomplished economist, Singh struggled with the perception that he was ineffective in addressing corruption and making decisive decisions, which led to growing public discontent. Following the loss of the 2014 elections to the Bharatiya Janata Party and Narendra Modi's leadership, Singh maintained a low profile. His contributions were often overshadowed by political opposition and the lingering perception that Sonia Gandhi wielded more power in the government than him. Nonetheless, Singh was recognized internationally for his diplomatic efforts and policy innovations. His passing marks the end of an era as many reflect on his complex legacy that intertwined significant economic achievements with considerable political challenges.