Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday at the age of 92. He died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi after experiencing a sudden loss of consciousness at home. Despite immediate medical attention, he was declared dead at 9:51 p.m.
Singh, a distinguished economist and politician, served as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, becoming the first Sikh to hold the office. He was instrumental in liberalizing India’s economy during his tenure as Finance Minister in the early 1990s, implementing pivotal reforms that opened the nation to global markets.
Current Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, describing Singh as one of India’s “most distinguished leaders” who rose from humble origins and left “a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years.” Modi also acknowledged Singh’s extensive efforts to improve people’s lives during his tenure.
Leaders across the political spectrum have paid tribute to Singh, reflecting on his contributions to India’s development and his reputation for personal integrity. His passing marks the end of a significant chapter in India’s political history.
