Manmohan Singh

Manmohan Singh
Manmohan Singh
Born	26 September 1932 (age 94); Gah, Punjab, British India (now in Pakistan)
Died	26 December 2024 (aged 92)
Occupation(s)	Economist, politician
Years active	1957–2024
Known for	Prime Minister of India (2004–2014), economic liberalization reforms (1991)

Manmohan Singh (26 September 1932 – 26 December 2024) was a distinguished Indian economist and political leader who held the office of prime minister of India from 2004 until 2014. Ranking as the fourth longest-serving prime minister after Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Narendra Modi, Singh was affiliated with the Indian National Congress. Notably, he was India's first and only Sikh to assume the prime ministership and the first since Nehru to secure reappointment following a complete five-year term.

Singh was born in Gah (present-day Pakistan), and his family relocated to India amid the 1947 partition. After completing his doctorate in economics at Nuffield College, Oxford, he served at the United Nations from 1966 to 1969 before joining India's civil service. Throughout his career, he occupied several pivotal roles such as Chief Economic Advisor (1972–1976), governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1982–1985), and chairman of the Planning Commission (1985–1987). As finance minister under Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao in 1991, Singh introduced structural reforms that liberalized the Indian economy, earning him international recognition as a progressive economic reformer. Between 1998 and 2004, he served as leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

With the ascent of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government in 2004, party leader Sonia Gandhi selected Singh as prime minister. His administration enacted landmark programs including the National Rural Health Mission, establishment of the Unique Identification Authority, implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, and passage of the Right to Information Act. In 2008, his government faced a severe crisis when Left Front parties withdrew support over the historic U.S.–India Civil Nuclear Agreement, nearly causing its collapse. The UPA secured a stronger mandate in the 2009 elections, allowing Singh to continue as prime minister. During this period, India became one of the founding members of BRICS.

Singh opted not to run for prime minister in 2014 but continued his parliamentary career as a member of the Rajya Sabha, representing Assam from 1991 to 2019 and subsequently Rajasthan until his passing in 2024.

Early life and education

Born on 26 September 1932 in Gah, located in Punjab under the British Raj, Singh was raised in a Punjabi Sikh family belonging to the Khatri caste engaged in dried fruit trade. His parents were Gurmukh Singh Kohli and Amrit Kaur; his father worked as a small-scale dry fruits merchant while his mother passed away when he was just five months old. Primarily brought up by his paternal grandmother, Jamna Devi, Singh began his schooling at a local gurdwara, where he studied both Urdu and Punjabi.

In 1937, he joined Government Primary School receiving education in Urdu until about age ten. Subsequently, his family moved to Peshawar, where he attended Khalsa School and completed his matriculation in 1947. Even during his tenure as prime minister, Singh occasionally composed speeches in Urdu or Gurmukhi, reflecting his linguistic heritage.

Following India's partition, Singh's family first moved to Haldwani before settling in Amritsar in 1948. There, he enrolled at Hindu College and later earned both bachelor's and master's degrees in Economics from Panjab University by 1952 and 1954 respectively, graduating at the top of his class. He then pursued further studies at University of Cambridge, completing the Economics Tripos in 1957 as a member of St John's College.

In an interview conducted in 2005, Singh acknowledged economists Joan Robinson and Nicholas Kaldor at Cambridge for profoundly influencing his economic perspectives, particularly regarding state involvement in development.

Upon returning to India, Singh took up a teaching position at Panjab University before undertaking doctoral research at Oxford University's Nuffield College. His DPhil thesis completed in 1962 under Ian Little examined "India's export performance between 1951 and 1960," which later served as foundation for his publication "India's Export Trends and Prospects for Self-Sustained Growth."

Early career

Following the completion of his D. Phil., Singh returned to India, where he held academic positions at Panjab University as a senior lecturer from 1957 to 1959, then as a reader until 1963, and subsequently as a professor of economics until 1965. Between 1966 and 1969, he was associated with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). His economic acumen earned him an advisory role at the Ministry of Foreign Trade under Lalit Narayan Mishra.

From 1969 to 1971, Singh served as a professor specializing in international trade at the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi. In 1972, he was appointed chief economic adviser in the Ministry of Finance, advancing to the position of secretary by 1976. He contributed to the Planning Commission between 1980 and 1982 before taking on the role of governor at the Reserve Bank of India during finance minister Pranab Mukherjee’s tenure, serving until 1985. Afterwards, he became deputy chairman of the Planning Commission (India) from 1985 through 1987.

Between 1987 and November 1990, Singh held the position of secretary general at the South Centre (organization), an autonomous economic policy research institute based in Geneva. Upon returning to India in late 1990, he provided economic counsel to Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar and was appointed chairman of the University Grants Commission (India) in March 1991.

Political career

In June 1991, Singh was named finance minister by then-Prime Minister P. V. Narasimha Rao. Singh later recounted that Rao had insisted on his cabinet participation despite his initial hesitation.

Minister of Finance (1991–1996)

Upon assuming office, Singh confronted a critical economic situation characterized by a fiscal deficit approaching 8.5% of GDP, a substantial balance of payments shortfall, and foreign exchange reserves barely sufficient for two weeks’ worth of imports. He alerted Rao and his party to the gravity of the crisis but encountered opposition toward deregulation efforts. Ultimately, with backing from Rao and P. Chidambaram, Singh launched comprehensive economic reforms.

These reforms included dismantling the license raj, curtailing government control, lowering import duties, and liberalizing policies to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). This transformation marked a departure from India’s socialist framework toward a more market-oriented economy, facilitating privatization within public sector enterprises. Despite these initiatives, Rao’s administration lost power in 1996 amid broader political challenges. Singh’s contributions to economic liberalization have been likened by Chidambaram to Deng Xiaoping’s influence on China’s reform era.

In 1993, after criticism arose regarding the ministry’s failure to anticipate the US$1.8 billion 1992 Indian stock market scam, Singh tendered his resignation; however, Rao declined it and committed to holding those accountable.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha (1998–2004)

Singh was first elected to the upper chamber of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha, in 1991 through the Assam legislative assembly and secured re-election in 1995, 2001, 2007, and 2013. During the tenure of the Bharatiya Janata Party government from 1998 to 2004, he served as Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. In 1999, he contested unsuccessfully for a seat in the Lok Sabha representing South Delhi.

First term (2004–2009)

After the 2004 general elections, the Indian National Congress secured the largest number of seats in the Lok Sabha and formed the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition with its partners. Despite not having won direct electoral contests, technocrat Manmohan Singh was chosen by UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi as the candidate for prime minister. The BBC highlighted Singh's reputation as a politician free from corruption scandals, a rarity in Indian politics. He was officially sworn in as Prime Minister on 22 May 2004.

Economic policy

As Finance Minister in 1991, Singh dismantled the Licence Raj, a system that had impeded economic progress and fostered corruption. This move opened the Indian economy, leading to accelerated growth. During his premiership, Singh, along with Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, maintained this trajectory, overseeing economic expansion rates between 8 and 9 percent. In 2007, India achieved its highest GDP growth at 9%, ranking as the second fastest-growing major economy globally. The administration also introduced the National Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), aimed at increasing employment opportunities in rural areas.

Singh's government continued developing the Golden Quadrilateral highway network initiated under Vajpayee and implemented reforms across banking, financial sectors, and public enterprises. Policies targeting farmer debt relief and industrial development were promoted by the Finance Ministry. The sales tax system was replaced with a value added tax in 2005. Although the Great Recession of 2007–2008 impacted India’s economy, it did not significantly disrupt its overall growth pattern.

Healthcare and education

In 2005, Singh’s administration launched the National Rural Health Mission (NHRM), deploying approximately half a million community health workers to enhance healthcare services in rural regions; this initiative received commendation from economist Jeffrey Sachs. The following year, a reservation policy was introduced allocating 27% of seats in elite institutions such as AIIMS, IITs, and IIMs to Other Backward Classes, which triggered widespread protests.

On 2 July 2009, the government enacted the Right to Education Act (RTE). Additionally, eight new IITs were established across states including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Orissa, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh. The expansion of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan program included improvements to mid-day meal schemes and substantial efforts to open schools nationwide—particularly in rural areas—to reduce illiteracy.

Home affairs

The government enhanced anti-terrorism legislation by amending the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and created the National Investigation Agency (NIA) after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, establishing a centralized counterterrorism body. In February 2009, the Unique Identification Authority of India was formed to implement the Multipurpose National Identity Card, designed to strengthen national security and facilitate e-governance.

Singh’s administration undertook an extensive reconstruction program in Kashmir aimed at stabilizing the area; however, insurgent activities and terrorism increased post-2009. On the other hand, terrorism levels were successfully reduced in Northeast India during this period.

In a significant act of political responsibility in 2005, Singh issued an apology on behalf of the Indian National Congress for the violence during the 1984 anti-Sikh riots during a parliamentary address.

Significant Legislation

In 2005, the Indian Parliament enacted both the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to Information Act (RTI). While NREGA's effectiveness has differed across various states, the RTI Act has played a crucial role in reducing corruption throughout India. Moreover, new financial assistance programs were launched targeting widows, pregnant women, and individuals without land ownership.

The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 was passed by both parliamentary chambers during August and September 2013 and received presidential approval on 27 September 2013. This legislation became effective on 1 January 2014, aiming to promote equitable compensation and openness in land acquisition procedures.

Enacted on 4 August 2009, the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act guarantees free education for children aged six to fourteen under Article 21A of the Indian Constitution. When implemented on 1 April 2010, this law positioned India among 135 nations recognizing education as a fundamental right.

Foreign Relations

Manmohan Singh upheld the pragmatic foreign policy approach initiated by P.V. Narasimha Rao and continued under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, emphasizing peaceful relations with Pakistan and resolving territorial disputes with China. His administration witnessed significant diplomatic engagements, including Chinese President Hu Jintao’s visit in 2006 and Singh’s official trip to Beijing in 2008. The reopening of Nathula Pass in 2006 marked a key milestone in Sino-Indian ties. Premier Li Keqiang visited India in May 2013, followed by Singh’s October 2013 visit to China, which led to sister-city agreements between Delhi-Beijing, Kolkata-Kunming, and Bangalore-Chengdu. By 2010, China had become India’s second-largest trading partner.

India’s relationship with Afghanistan strengthened considerably, with India emerging as the foremost regional donor. During Afghan President Hamid Karzai’s visit in 2008, Singh pledged increased support for schools, healthcare facilities, infrastructure projects, and defense capabilities, establishing India as a principal aid contributor.

Singh also fostered closer cooperation with the United States, initiating negotiations for the Indo-US civilian nuclear deal during his 2005 visit. After extensive discussions and approvals, the agreement was finalized in October 2008, allowing India access to American nuclear fuel and technology under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards. Singh became the first Indian Prime Minister to make an official state visit to the White House under President Barack Obama in November 2009, where trade and nuclear collaboration were key topics.

Relations deepened with Japan and European Union member states including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Talks persisted regarding the Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline project. The India–Africa Summit held in April 2006 brought together leaders from fifteen African nations. Singh also promoted strategic partnerships with Brazil and South Africa via the IBSA Dialogue Forum established following the 2003 Brasilia Declaration.

From 2003 onwards, expanding ties with Israel became a government priority. Significant bilateral investments elevated Israel to a prominent defense partner alongside Russia. Despite occasional diplomatic tensions over delayed Russian arms deliveries and cost increases, Indo-Russian relations remained robust with agreements enhancing cooperation in defense sectors, nuclear energy development, and space exploration.

During the Libyan Civil War in 2011, India abstained from United Nations Security Council votes authorizing NATO intervention but publicly condemned NATO’s military actions in Parliament. Singh was instrumental in founding BRICS in 2009, highlighting emerging economic powers.

At the United Nations in September 2011, Singh criticized Western military interventions in Syria and Libya. Although India was among the last countries to formally recognize Libya’s National Transitional Council, it agreed to assist with reconstruction efforts. Following its closure in 2011, India reopened its embassy in Tripoli in July 2012.

Second term (2009–2014)

The 2009 general elections in India, conducted across five phases between 16 April and 13 May, resulted in a decisive victory for the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). This success enabled Singh to become the first prime minister since Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962 to secure re-election after completing a full term. The Congress-led alliance garnered the support of 322 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats, including backing from allies and external parties such as the Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party, among others.

Singh took the oath for his second tenure on 22 May 2009 at Rashtrapati Bhavan. His administration during this time was overshadowed by significant controversies, including the 2G spectrum case and the Commonwealth Games scandal. Notably, Singh refused to testify before a Joint Parliamentary Committee investigating the 2G spectrum case in April 2013. Eventually, all accused were acquitted in 2017, after which the Congress party called on opposition leaders to apologize for their accusations.

In response to the 2012 Delhi gang rape, Singh urged for calm and committed to strengthening women's safety measures, expressing personal concern as a father of daughters. He also chose to cancel official New Year festivities as a tribute to the victim.

The 2012 report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed that coal block allocations made without competitive bidding during Singh’s tenure as coal minister (2005–2009) resulted in an estimated loss of Rs 1.85 trillion to the country. This scandal, often referred to as "Coalgate," further damaged his government’s reputation.

By 2013, public approval of Singh’s administration had dropped to approximately 30%, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction amid allegations of corruption and governance issues.

Post-premiership (2014–2024)

Singh concluded his term as prime minister on 17 May 2014. He did not stand as the prime ministerial candidate in the 2014 general elections and resigned following the victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance. He remained acting prime minister until Narendra Modi was sworn in on 26 May 2014. Singh attended Modi’s inauguration ceremony alongside Congress president Sonia Gandhi, former Presidents A. P. J. Abdul Kalam and Pratibha Patil, and Vice-President Hamid Ansari.

In 2016, Singh was named to hold the Jawaharlal Nehru Chair at Panjab University but ultimately did not assume this position. In 2019, he was elected to the Rajya Sabha representing Rajasthan, succeeding BJP member Madan Lal Saini. Singh retired from the upper house in April 2024 and was succeeded by Sonia Gandhi.

Public image and legacy

The Independent characterized Singh as "one of the world’s most respected leaders" and "a man of rare decency and dignity," emphasizing his humble lifestyle, including driving a Maruti 800. Khushwant Singh regarded him as India's finest prime minister, surpassing even Jawaharlal Nehru, highlighting his honesty when he promptly returned borrowed funds after losing the 1999 elections.

In 2010, Newsweek described him as "the leader admired by other leaders," quoting Mohamed ElBaradei who called Singh "an exemplar of political leadership." That same year, Singh received the World Statesman Award; Henry Kissinger praised his vision, determination, and leadership during India’s economic transformation.

Singh was ranked eighteenth on the 2010 Forbes list of the World's Most Powerful People, with Forbes recognizing him as "widely acknowledged as India’s best prime minister since Nehru." Australian journalist Greg Sheridan hailed him as one of Asia's foremost statesmen. He appeared at nineteenth and twenty-eighth positions on Forbes’ lists in 2012 and 2013 respectively. Time portrayed him as "leading India into the league of great powers."

On the other hand, Time Asia’s July 2012 issue labeled Singh an "underachiever," criticizing his hesitance to implement reforms essential for growth—a viewpoint contested by Congress and its allies. Following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Singh faced criticism over perceived lapses in national security improvements.

In his memoir A Promised Land published in 2020, former U.S. President Barack Obama described Singh as "wise, considerate, and impeccably honest."

Political adversaries like BJP co-founder L. K. Advani branded Singh a "weak" prime minister, accusing him of indecisiveness influenced by external directives. Conversely, figures such as Arvind Kejriwal acknowledged in 2018 that India lacked an educated leader like Singh. In 2022, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari credited Singh with initiating liberalization policies that transformed India's economy.

In 2013, BJP leader Narendra Modi referred to Singh as a "night watchman" and "puppet of the Gandhi family." However, by February 2024, Modi commended Singh’s enduring stewardship of Parliament and democratic institutions, recalling his dedication demonstrated by attending critical votes despite being wheelchair-bound.

Upon Singh's passing, Prime Minister Modi hailed him as one of "India’s most eminent leaders" and declared a period of national mourning. Tributes also came from President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and former Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda, all praising his leadership qualities. The governments of Mauritius and Bhutan honored him by lowering their flags to half-mast.

Family and personal life

In 1958, Singh wed Gursharan Kaur, and together they had three daughters: Upinder Singh, who serves as a history professor at Ashoka University; Daman Singh, an author with academic credentials from St. Stephen's College, Delhi and the Institute of Rural Management, Anand; and Amrit Singh, who works as a staff attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union. His son-in-law, Ashok Pattnaik, an officer from the 1983 batch of the Indian Police Service, was appointed CEO of the National Intelligence Grid (NATGRID) in 2016.

During the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots, Singh himself was assaulted and subsequently extended financial assistance to the Citizens' Relief Committee.

A committed vegetarian, Singh resided at 3, Motilal Nehru Marg in New Delhi until his passing.

Illness and death

Singh underwent several cardiac bypass operations, with the final procedure performed in January 2009. In May 2020, he was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) following an adverse reaction to medication. He returned to AIIMS in April 2021 after testing positive for COVID-19, and again in October 2021 due to symptoms of weakness and fever.

On 26 December 2024, Singh collapsed at his residence in New Delhi and was rushed to AIIMS emergency services. He passed away a few hours later at the age of 92. The government announced a period of national mourning extending until 1 January 2025 and honored him with a state funeral held at Nigam Bodh Ghat, New Delhi, on 28 December.

Electoral history

Year	Election	Party		Constituency Name	Result	Votes	Vote share%
1999	13th Lok Sabha		INC	South Delhi	Template:Lost	2,31,231	46.25

In popular culture

The 2019 Bollywood movie The Accidental Prime Minister, directed by Vijay Gutte with Anupam Kher portraying Singh, is adapted from Sanjaya Baru’s 2014 memoir. The film dramatizes Singh’s period as Prime Minister.

Additionally, the 2013 documentary series broadcast on ABP News presents episodes chronicling Singh’s administration, focusing on the policies and challenges faced by the UPA government during his tenure.

External links

Archive of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh—Prime Minister's Office
Profile and Curriculum Vitae of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh—Prime Minister's Office archive
Cabinet details under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh—Prime Minister's Office archive