The Diplomat Desk
New Delhi :TDD- Former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who guided the nation through a decade of unparalleled economic growth, died last night at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi. He was 92 years old.
Dr. Singh served as India’s 13th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, and was admitted to AIIMS earlier in the day today following a deterioration in his health condition. Despite attempts at revival by doctors after medical intervention, he couldn’t be revived.
An illustrious economist turned politician, Dr. Singh is credited to be the mastermind behind the economic liberalization of India. It was as finance minister in 1991 that he launched the landmark reforms that would open India’s economy to the global markets and provide a springboard for decades of growth.
During his two consecutive terms as Prime Minister of a UPA government, India was taken through the rather complex economic challenges with great steady growth under the governance of Dr. Singh. His tenure saw the passing of several landmark policies and initiatives that helped strengthen the position of India in the global economy.
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan), the journey from a small village to the highest office of the world’s largest democracy exemplified Dr. Singh’s remarkable intellectual capabilities and commitment to public service. He entered history as India’s first Sikh Prime Minister, thereby breaking new ground for minority representation at the leadership level in the nation.
The government is expected to announce details regarding state funeral arrangements and official ceremonies to honor the former Prime Minister’s legacy of service to the nation.
Dr. Singh is remembered as a statesman who combined scholarly expertise with political acumen, leaving an indelible mark on India’s economic and political landscape.TDD