India’s former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who played a key role in the country’s economic reforms, has died at the age of 92. Singh, a technocrat and long-serving leader of the Congress Party, served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014.
Singh was admitted to hospital late Thursday after experiencing a sudden loss of consciousness, and despite efforts to revive him, he was declared dead on Friday evening. He had been treated for age-related medical conditions.
A mild-mannered leader with great personal integrity, Singh served as Prime Minister for 10 years, earning a reputation for his wisdom and humility. He was chosen by Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi to replace her late husband Rajiv Gandhi in 2004.
However, his tenure was marred by allegations of corruption against his ministers, which tainted his image. Despite this, he remained a respected figure in Indian politics until the end.
Leaders from across the party spectrum have paid tribute to Singh, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. The US has also offered condolences, praising Singh’s dedication to strengthening ties with India.
Born on September 26, 1932, in Punjab province, Singh studied economics at Cambridge University and went on to hold key positions in the Indian government before becoming Finance Minister in 1991. He implemented significant economic reforms that opened up India’s economy and paved the way for a capitalist model.
Singh was awarded several honors, including the Padma Vibhushan Award and the Jawaharlal Nehru Birth Centenary Award. His legacy is marked by his adoption of a Right to Information Act and his efforts to improve people’s lives through welfare schemes.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/india-manmohan-singh-prime-minister-obituary-06cfb0b96acc00a64a280cc6da3cc968