NEW DELHI: Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India and a distinguished economist, passed away on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92, following age-related health complications. Dr. Singh, who was instrumental in steering India through significant economic reforms, breathed his last at AIIMS Delhi after a sudden loss of consciousness at home.

As the Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, Dr. Singh is widely credited for spearheading India’s economic liberalization, transforming the country into a global economic force. His tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 was marked by major legislative reforms, including the introduction of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Right to Information Act (RTI), enhancing transparency in governance. A member of the Rajya Sabha for over three decades, Dr. Singh retired earlier this year after 33 years of distinguished service in Parliament. 

Condolences have poured in from across the country and the world, reflecting the profound impact of Dr. Singh’s life and work. Leaders from across the political spectrum paid their respects to Dr. Singh. President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, PM Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi were among the first to pay homage to Singh at his residence in New Delhi. PM Modi described Singh’s demise a profound loss, recalling his journey from a Partition-era migrant to a global statesman.