Former prime minister, renowned economist Manmohan Singh dies at 92

Veteran Congress leader and India’s former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who was admitted to Delhi’s AIIMS hospital due to age-related medical conditions, breathed his last on Dec 26.

Singh, 92, was admitted to the hospital as he lost consciousness after which he was rushed to the hospital.

“With profound grief, we inform the demise of former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, aged 92. He was being treated for age-related medical conditions and had a sudden loss of consciousness at home on 26th December 2024. Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the Medical Emergency at AIIMS, New Delhi, at 8:06 PM. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 PM, a statement by AIIMS said.

"Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9:51 pm," the statement added.

Widely known as a gentleman politician, Dr. Manmohan Singh is survived by his wife, Gurcharan Kaur, and three daughters.

Leaders from across political parties have paid tribute to the veteran politician. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Manmohan Singh as among the "most distinguished leaders.”

The Congress leader was held the designation of Prime Minister for two consecutive terms in the United Progressive Alliance government from 2004 to 2014 before the Modi-led Bharatiya Janata Party won the general elections in 2014.

Singh had retired as a member of the Rajya Sabha from Rajasthan in February this year after a 33-year-term in the Upper House. He was in poor health for the last few months.

Earlier, he represented Assam in the Upper House for six terms since 1991.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also paid tribute to former prime minister Manmohan Singh, saying, "While regarded as the architect of Indian economic reforms, he was equally responsible for the strategic corrections to our foreign policy," he said on X.

"Was immensely privileged to work closely with him. Will always remember his kindness and courtesy," Jaishankar added.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took to X to pay his tributes to former PM, saying, “Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji! With the passing of the former prime minister, India has lost a visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled stature. His policy of economic liberalization and rights-based welfare paradigm profoundly transformed the lives of crores of Indians, virtually creating a middle class in India and lifting crores out of poverty.”

“I mourn the loss of a lifelong senior colleague, a gentle intellectual and a humble soul who embodied the aspirations of India, having risen through the ranks with unwavering dedication. I am proud to have been a part of his Cabinet as Labour Minister, Railway Minister, and Social Welfare Minister,” Kharge wrote in a heartfelt post.

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi also expressed his grief as he mourned the loss of Singh, remembering him as “a mentor and guide.”

"Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kaur and the family. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride," Gandhi wrote.

Among the world leaders, Afghanistan’s former president Hamid Karzai was one of the first to pay tribute to Singh. He remembered Singh as “India’s most illustrious son and an unwavering ally.”

“#India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. #Dr_Manmohan_Singh was an unwavering ally and friend to the people of #Afghanistan. I profoundly mourn his passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family, the government, and the people of India. May his soul find eternal peace,” Karzai wrote on X.

Meanwhile, the Congress party has announced that all party official programs, including its foundation day celebrations, will be cancelled till January 3, 2025, as a mark of respect. During this time, the party flag will be flown at half-mast.Two-time Prime Minister and architect of economic reforms in the early 1990s, Manmohan Singh dies at 92.

Singh will be cremated with full state honors, news agency PTI reported, citing officials.