Former Prime Minister of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh, passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday. His last rites will be conducted with full state honours, officials have confirmed.
AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) Delhi released a statement announcing Dr Singh’s demise: “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 26 December. Resuscitative measures were started immediately at home. He was brought to the medical emergency at AIIMS. Despite all efforts, he could not be revived and was declared dead at 9.51 p.m.”
Dr Singh served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 and was renowned for his transformative role in India’s economic liberalisation. He is survived by his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and their three daughters. Funeral arrangements will be announced soon, with national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expected to attend the ceremony.
Manmohan Singh retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year, receiving praise from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for his long and distinguished parliamentary career.
The former PM rose to prominence as Finance Minister during P.V. Narasimha Rao’s government (1991-96), introducing sweeping economic reforms that reshaped India’s economy.
World leaders have paid tribute to Dr. Singh. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai described him as “an unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan,” while former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed called him a “benevolent father figure.” Russian Ambassador Denis Alipov highlighted Dr Singh’s contributions to strengthening Indo-Russian ties, describing him as “suave, endearing, and an expert economist.”
Dr Manmohan Singh’s humility, intellect, and dedication to public service leave behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
