‘History shall judge you kindly’: Tributes pour in for Manmohan Singh
Singh had left behind a legacy of economic reforms, political stability and a dedication to uplift lives, said the Congress.
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Tributes poured in, across party lines, for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh following his death in New Delhi on Thursday, with many hailing him as one of India’s most distinguished leaders.
The senior Congress leader, being treated for age-related medical conditions, was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Science in the national capital on Thursday evening after he had a sudden loss of consciousness. Despite efforts, the 92-year-old could not be revived, the hospital said.
The Union government declared a seven-day mourning in honour of Singh. He will be accorded a state funeral.
The passing away of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji is deeply saddening. I extend my condolences to his family and admirers.https://t.co/6YhbaT99dq
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 27, 2024
The Congress said on Thursday that history would always remember Singh for his “dignified demeanour, commitment to public service, profound wisdom and humility”.
In a social media post, the party said that Singh had left behind a legacy of economic reforms, political stability and a dedication to uplift the lives of Indians.
“His tenure first as a technocrat and then as India’s prime minister will be remembered for economic prosperity with focus on social welfare, and strengthening of India’s position on the world map,” it said.
History will always remember Dr Manmohan Singh Ji for his dignified demeanor, commitment to public service, profound wisdom and humility. He leaves behind a legacy of economic reforms, political stability, and dedication to uplift the lives of every Indian.
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 26, 2024
His tenure first as… pic.twitter.com/UoI5FWZ1VA
Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge said that the country had lost a “visionary statesman, a leader of unimpeachable integrity, and an economist of unparalleled stature”.
Kharge said on social media platform X: “His policy of economic liberalisation 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.”
Calling Singh a “man of action rather than words”, the Congress chief said that the former prime minister’s contribution to nation-building would forever be etched in the annals of Indian history.
“Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji!” he added.
Undoubtedly, history shall judge you kindly, Dr. Manmohan Singh ji!
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) December 26, 2024
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 Liberalisation and… pic.twitter.com/BvMZh3MFXS
Former Union minister P Chidambaram said that Singh’s story had not been told fully, adding that the country would realise the former prime minister’s “true contribution” when looking back at his 23 years in active politics.
Chidambaram said that he had not met a person “more humble and self-effacing” than Singh, who “wore his scholarship lightly and never claimed credit for any of his historic achievements”.
It is a deeply emotional moment for me to speak about Dr Manmohan Singh
— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) December 26, 2024
The life and work of Dr Manmohan Singh and the period from 1991 till 2014 will be a golden chapter in the history of India.
I worked closely with him for many years. I have not met a person more humble and… pic.twitter.com/bNE122vPoX
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said that few in politics inspired the kind of respect that Singh did.
“His honesty will always be an inspiration for us and he will forever stand tall among those who truly love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation despite being subjected to unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents,” the Wayanad MP said on social media.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that Singh had played an important role in the governance of the country.
पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री डॉ. मनमोहन सिंह जी के निधन की सूचना अत्यंत दुःखद है। भारतीय रिजर्व बैंक में गवर्नर से लेकर देश के वित्त मंत्री और प्रधानमंत्री के रूप में डॉ. मनमोहन सिंह जी ने देश की शासन व्यवस्था में महत्त्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभाई। दुःख की इस घड़ी में उनके परिजनों व समर्थकों के…
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 26, 2024
JP Nadda, the chief of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, said that Singh’s death was 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,” Nadda said. “His leadership earned admiration and respect across party lines.”
Singh’s legacy will inspire generations in their pursuit of nation-building, Nadda added.
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.…
— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) December 26, 2024
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that Singh was respected by all, adding that he was soft-spoken and gentle. “[He] presented the milestone budget of 1991 which liberalised the Indian economy,” she noted.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that while Singh is regarded as the “architect of Indian economic reforms”, he was equally responsible for the “strategic corrections” to the country’s foreign policy.
Deeply grieved at the passing away of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today.
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) December 26, 2024
While regarded as the architect of Indian economic reforms, he was equally responsible for the strategic corrections to our foreign policy.
Was immensely privileged to work closely with him.…
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the former prime minister’s “erudition and wisdom were unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms ushered in by him in the country are widely acknowledged”.
The Trinamool Congress chief said: “I had worked with him and saw him from very close quarters in the Union Cabinet…The country will miss his stewardship and I shall miss his affection…”
Profoundly stunned and saddened by the sudden demise of our former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ji.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) December 26, 2024
I had worked with him and saw him from very close quarters in the Union Cabinet. His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms ushered in…
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin said that Singh was not only a former prime minister but a friend to the state.
“His ability to understand and address our needs helped strengthen Tamil Nadu’s role in India’s growth story,” said the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief. “His modesty, despite his vast knowledge and stature, left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of working alongside him.”
Deeply saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, a statesman whose intellect and leadership steered India’s economic transformation. His tenure marked an era of steady growth, social progress, and reforms that improved the lives of millions.
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) December 26, 2024
Dr.… pic.twitter.com/8YhWv6EDBu
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said Singh was “truly an intellectual giant, an accomplished economist”. He called the former prime minister “a thorough gentleman, a giant among pygmies”.
“India has lost a great son with his passing,” Abdullah wrote in a post on X. “Rest in peace sir & thank you for everything”.
Very sorry to hear about the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. I had many occasions to interact & learn from him. He was truly an intellectual giant, an accomplished economist but above all he was a thorough gentleman, a giant among pygmies. India has lost a great son with…
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) December 26, 2024
Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq recalled his past meetings with Singh, in which the former prime minister’s “sincerity towards dialogue on Kashmir and fostering people-to-people contact across borders was evident”.
Farooq said that Singh had advocated for “open borders and lasting peace with neighbors and engaged with us in Hurriyat with an open mind”.
Saddened by the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. I recall our meetings, both during his tenure as PM and before, where his sincerity towards dialogue on Kashmir and fostering people-to-people contact across borders was evident. He believed in open borders and lasting peace with… pic.twitter.com/YbcIPFYIDi
— Mirwaiz Umar Farooq (@MirwaizKashmir) December 27, 2024
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said that Singh “worked tirelessly to advance the peace process and usher in a new era of development in Jammu and Kashmir”.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Singh “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,” Sarma said in a post on X.
Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda said that Singh was “a good and patient man, a brilliant economist, and a colleague I valued and respected”.
Singh will be “remembered in history as the man who changed the course of India’s economic future”, the Janata Dal (Secular) chief said.
Very sad to know the passing away of former Prime Minister, Shri Manmohan Singh. He was a good and patient man, a brilliant economist, and a colleague I valued and respected. He will be remembered in history as the man who changed the course of India’s economic future. RIP. pic.twitter.com/WGuXtmzK2f
— H D Devegowda (@H_D_Devegowda) December 26, 2024
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat said that “despite coming from a humble background, [Singh] adorned the highest post in the country”.
“Renowned economist Dr. Singh’s contribution to Bharat will always be remembered and cherished,” he added.
Singh also received tributes from around the world.
The United States offered its condolences and said that the former prime minister was one of the “greatest champions” of the strategic partnership between Washington and New Delhi.
The country’s Department of State said that Singh’s work “laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades”.
It added: “His leadership in advancing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signified a major investment in the potential of the US-India relationship…”
Former Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai said that India had lost one of its most “illustrious sons”.
Singh was an “unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan”, Karzai said.
“I profoundly mourn his passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family, the government, and the people of India,” he added. “May his soul find eternal peace.”
#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.
— Hamid Karzai (@KarzaiH) December 26, 2024
May his soul find… pic.twitter.com/ZrY5bCFVIR
President of France Emmanuel Macron said: “India has lost a great man, and France a true friend, in the person of Dr. Manmohan Singh. He had devoted his life to his country. Our thoughts are with his family and the people of India.”
India has lost a great man, and France a true friend, in the person of Dr. Manmohan Singh. He had devoted his life to his country. Our thoughts are with his family and the people of India.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) December 27, 2024
Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed said that Singh was a good friend to the island nation. “I always found him a delight to work with, and like a benevolent father figure,” Nasheed said.
So sad to hear Manmohan Singh has passed. I always found him a delight to work with, and like a benevolent father figure. He was a good friend of the Maldives. @HCIMaldives pic.twitter.com/I0vnfimKpl
— Mohamed Nasheed (@MohamedNasheed) December 26, 2024
Denis Alipov, the Russian ambassador to India, said that Singh’s death was a “moment of poignant sorrow and grief” for India and Russia.
“Dr Manmohan Singh’s contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable,” Alipov wrote on X. “His suave demeanour was always endearing as unquestionable was his expertise as an economist and his commitment to the progress of India.”
It is moment of poignant sorrow and grief for India and for Russia. Dr Manmohan Singh‘s contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable. His suave demeanor was always endearing as unquestionable was his expertise as an economist and his commitment to the progress of India. pic.twitter.com/rxjUQsFgj5
— Denis Alipov 🇷🇺 (@AmbRus_India) December 26, 2024