Prime Minister Modi, other Indian leaders mourn death of former PM Manmohan Singh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, December 26, condoled the loss of one of India’s most distinguished leaders following the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Other Indian leaders also echoed similar sentiments.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said that his thoughts are with the family of Dr Manmohan Singh, his friends and countless admirers.

“India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” PM Modi wrote on X.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

“Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji and I interacted regularly when he was PM and I was the CM of Gujarat. We would have extensive deliberations on various subjects relating to governance. His wisdom and humility were always visible. In this hour of grief, my thoughts are with the family of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, his friends and countless admirers. Om Shanti,” PM Modi added.

Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions, according to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, AIIMS.

“The last rites of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh will be held the day after tomorrow,” Singh’s own Congress Party announced. General Secretary KC Venugopal told reporters in Delhi late Thursday night that the death of Dr. Manmohan Singh was a “painful loss” for the nation.

“Dr Manmohan Singh was the real icon of the Congress and the country. A post-independence hero. His mission and ability to govern the country was witnessed by everyone…” Venugopal said.

India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar said he was “deeply grieved” by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, and had worked closely with him. He credited Singh with not only bringing about economy policy changes but also for “strategic corrections” in India’s foreign policy.

India’s President Droupadi Murmu said on X, “Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh Ji was one of those rare politicians who also straddled the worlds of academia and administration with equal ease. In his various roles in public offices, he made critical contributions to reforming Indian economy. He will always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life and his utmost humility. His passing is a great loss to all of us.”

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President JP Nadda also expressed condolences over the demise of former PM Singh calling it a loss for the nation. Nadda said that Singh’s legacy will continue to continue to inspire generations in their pursuit of nation-building.

“The passing of Former Prime Minister and Economist Shri Manmohan Singh ji is an immense loss for the nation. A visionary statesman and a stalwart of Indian politics, throughout his remarkable career in public service, he consistently voiced for the welfare of the downtrodden. His leadership earned admiration and respect across party lines. Shri Manmohan Singh Ji’s legacy will continue to inspire generations in their pursuit of nation-building. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and admirers. Om Shanti,” JP Nadda.

India’s Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, in a condolence message, said, “A Padma Vibhushan awardee and architect of India’s economic liberalisation in 1991, he boldly steered our nation through a critical transition, opening new pathways for growth and prosperity.”

“His profound understanding of economy, gentle demeanor and unwavering commitment to India’s progress will forever be etched in my memory. In Dr. Singh’s passing, India has lost a leader of towering intellect and a statesman par excellence. His legacy will forever guide Bharat’s growth trajectory,” Dhankar added.

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Raghav Chadha expressed his deepest condolences to Singh’s family and called him blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside him in the Rajya Sabha.

“A world-renowned economist and the architect behind the liberalization of the Indian economy, Dr Manmohan Singh Ji steered India through difficult times and into a new era. An Oxford-educated economist, he spearheaded India’s 1991 economic reforms and led the nation as Prime Minister with quiet determination, proving that intellect and integrity can drive transformative change. I join the nation in mourning the passing of one of our most distinguished statesmen. His legacy will endure and inspire generations to come. I consider myself blessed and privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside him in the Rajya Sabha. My deepest condolences to his family. RIP, Sir. Om Shanti,” the AAP leader posted on X.

In a condolence message on X, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said that Manmohan Singh 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,” Rahul Gandhi wrote.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said Manmohan Singh has left his indelible imprint on our history. “His Prime Ministership saw revolutionary legislation relating to rural employment, tribal rights, reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBCs, primary education, food security, and land acquisition. The Indo-US nuclear agreement was a landmark that enhanced India’s global status. His Prime Ministership saw the highest GDP growth rate in the country’s history,” Ramesh said.

Several Congress leaders, including Chief Ministers Revanth Reddy, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and Siddaramaiah, paid their respects. Leaders from opposition parties, including Mamata Banerjee, Pinarayi Vijayan, Bhagwant Mann, Akhilesh Yadav, Arvind Kejriwal and Hemant Soren, also expressed their sorrow.

Ghulam Nabi Azad, President of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party, said, “Very sad… He can never be forgotten. I pray for peace to his soul.”
Congress MP and Bihar Congress President Akhilesh Prasad Singh called the demise “a personal loss.”