New Delhi: Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s 13th Prime Minister and the first Sikh to hold the country’s top political post, passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday night. He died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, where he was receiving treatment for age-related ailments.
In a statement, AIIMS said, “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.”
Dr. Singh, a distinguished economist and statesman, served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, leading the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for two consecutive terms. His tenure was marked by significant economic reforms, social welfare initiatives, and his steady leadership during the 2008 global financial crisis.
Born on September 26, 1932, in Gah, now in Pakistan, Dr. Singh played a pivotal role in India’s transformation as an economic powerhouse. As Finance Minister in the 1990s, he spearheaded the country’s liberalization policies, opening up the Indian economy to the world and laying the foundation for sustained growth.
After the Congress’ defeat in the 2014 general elections, Dr. Singh retired from active politics but remained a member of the Rajya Sabha. His last public appearance in the upper house was in August 2023.
Tributes have poured in from across the nation, with leaders and citizens remembering him as a humble visionary, a man of integrity, and a guiding force for modern India.
Details of funeral arrangements and state honors are expected to be announced soon as the country mourns the loss of one of its most respected leaders.
