'End of an era': Tributes pour in as Manmohan Singh’s quiet leadership leaves a loud legacy

Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India, passed away in Delhi on Thursday at the age of 92. Tributes poured in from across the nation and around the world, honoring his immense contributions to India's development and his legacy as a statesman, economist, and humble leader.

National Mourning and Condolences

The central government has declared a seven-day national mourning period as a mark of respect to Dr. Singh. His last rites will be conducted with full state honors. The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will convene to pay tribute, and all government programs scheduled during this period have been canceled.

Congress has also suspended its official programs, including its foundation day celebrations, for the next seven days. “The party flag will be flown at half-mast, and programs will resume on January 3, 2025,” stated party general secretary K. C. Venugopal.

The Congress party also announced the suspension of all official programmes, including its foundation day celebrations, until January 3, 2025. General Secretary K.C. Venugopal said, “This includes all agitations and outreach programmes. Party programmes will resume on January 3. The party flag will be flown at half mast during this period of mourning.”

Also Read: Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister and hero of India's economic liberalisation, passes away at 92

A Nation Pays Tribute

Prominent leaders from across the political spectrum expressed their condolences. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauded Dr Singh’s contributions, stating, “As Finance Minister and Prime Minister, he played an important role in the governance of the country.” Similarly, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis remarked, “India has lost a great scholar, economist, and statesman with the demise of former PM Manmohan Singh. His contributions to the Indian economic reforms and his service to the nation as Prime Minister for 10 years will be remembered forever.”

President Droupadi Murmu highlighted Dr Singh’s role in transforming India’s economy. “He will always be remembered for his service to the nation, his unblemished political life, and his utmost humility,” she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid homage, saying, “India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives.”

Legacy of Economic Reforms and Strategic Vision

Dr Singh, often hailed as the architect of India’s economic liberalisation, served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014. During his tenure, he spearheaded transformative policies that shaped India’s modern economic landscape. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar noted his contributions to foreign policy, saying, “While regarded as the architect of Indian economic reforms, he was equally responsible for the strategic corrections to our foreign policy.”

Dr Singh’s achievements include pathbreaking legislation on rural employment, food security, and education. His leadership saw India achieve its highest GDP growth rates, and his role in the Indo-US nuclear deal significantly enhanced India’s global stature.

Tributes Across Borders

Condolences poured in from international leaders, reflecting Dr Singh’s impact beyond India. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai called him “an unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan,” while former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed remembered him as “a benevolent father figure.” Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov praised his role in strengthening India-Russia ties.




In his tribute, Keshap hailed Dr Singh as the architect of the modern bilateral relationship between India and the United States.

In a post on X, Keshap noted that Manmohan Singh played a key role in elevating ties between the two nations. "Heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji and to the people of India on his passing. Prime Minister Singh played a key role in elevating U.S. - India ties and modernizing the relationship, and embarking both democracies on a steady path of strategic, economic, and technological convergence," Keshap wrote.

He further added, "Through his sustained leadership in achieving the transformative agreement on civilian nuclear energy cooperation, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was rightly regarded as an architect of the modern bilateral relationship. He will be remembered by many in America with honor and fondness for his gentle and clear leadership. May his noble soul rest in peace."

A Distinguished Career

Born in Punjab in 1932, Dr Manmohan Singh’s illustrious career spanned decades, including roles as Chief Economic Adviser, Finance Secretary, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, and Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission. He was instrumental in steering India through its 1991 economic crisis as Finance Minister under the leadership of then-Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh summarised Dr Singh’s contributions, saying, “An extremely full and extraordinarily distinguished life has ended. He was the technocratic transformer of the Indian economy and a gentleman to the core.”

A Humble Leader Remembered

Throughout his life, Dr Singh remained known for his humility, integrity, and commitment to public service. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, called him a “mentor and guide,” adding, “Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity.”

Business leaders, including Anand Mahindra and Gautam Adani, also paid their respects. Mahindra said, “You loved this nation, and your service to it will long be remembered.” Adani emphasised Dr Singh’s role in the 1991 economic reforms, calling him a “rare leader who spoke softly but achieved monumental strides through his actions.”

One of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership

The United States Department of State Secretary Antony Bliken issued his condolences on the passing away of Singh. In a statement, he said, "The United States offers our sincere condolences to the people of India for the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. Dr. Singh was one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership, and his work laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades. His leadership in advancing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signified a major investment in the potential of the US-India relationship. At home, Dr Singh will be remembered for his economic reforms that spurred India’s rapid economic growth. We mourn Dr Singh’s passing and will always remember his dedication to bringing the United States and India closer together."

Nation lost a great patriot, an exceptional scholar

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma also paid his tribute to Singh. "Dr Sahab embodied humility and never surrendered to the trappings of power. In all my interactions with him, his simplicity and decency combined with his intellectual prowess always stood out," he said.


Delhi Chief Minister Atishi the country has not just lost a world renowned economist, but a leader whose erudition and dignity will always be remembered.


Dr Singh passed away at AIIMS Delhi due to age-related medical conditions. According to a statement from AIIMS, he was brought to the emergency department after a sudden loss of consciousness at home. Despite resuscitative efforts, he was declared dead at 9:51 PM.

As the nation observes this period of mourning, the legacy of Dr Manmohan Singh—a scholar, economist, and statesman—will continue to inspire generations to come.