In brief
The former prime minister is remembered for his significant contributions to transforming India's economy and fostering diplomatic relations.
Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India and a pivotal figure in the country’s economic transformation, died on Thursday in New Delhi at the age of 92. Singh, who served from 2004 to 2014, was the first Sikh prime minister in India’s history and played a crucial role in implementing free-market reforms that helped India emerge as a formidable economic contender against nations like China. His passing was confirmed by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, the hospital where he was receiving care.Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media platform X to express his condolences, calling Singh one of India’s “most distinguished leaders.” Known for his distinctive powder-blue turban, Singh's early life was shaped by the tumultuous events surrounding India's partition in 1947, which included significant migrations and ongoing regional conflicts.Despite his low profile and reluctance to engage with the media, Singh became a prominent political figure during his tenure as finance minister in 1991, a role in which he initiated reforms that shifted India towards a market-driven economy. His reforms sparked broader economic growth, leading to increased opportunities for the middle class, although they also highlighted the stark contrasts with persistent poverty in various segments of the population.
