Manmohan Singh, often dubbed a “reluctant king” during his tenure as India’s prime minister, was one of the country’s most quietly impactful leaders. Born into poverty in British-era India, now Pakistan, Singh’s rise was a testament to grit and intellect. A modest, softly spoken man, Singh’s leadership left an indelible mark on the nation’s economic landscape, turning India into a global economic powerhouse.
Singh’s political journey began unexpectedly when he was chosen as India’s finance minister in 1991, during a financial crisis. He played a pivotal role in steering the country through economic reforms, opening India’s doors to the world and lifting millions from poverty. In his first budget speech, quoting Victor Hugo, he proclaimed, “No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come,” foreshadowing India’s economic transformation.
His rise to prime minister in 2004 was equally unexpected. Chosen by Sonia Gandhi, the Congress leader, Singh’s ascension allowed her to sidestep attacks based on her foreign birth. Under his leadership, India enjoyed unparalleled economic growth, and welfare schemes for the rural poor began to take shape. Singh also sought to bring peace to the Siachen Glacier, and his government struck a historic nuclear deal with the United States, paving the way for closer ties with Washington.
However, despite his personal integrity and reputation for simplicity, Singh’s second term was marred by internal political struggles and corruption scandals that sullied his administration’s reputation. His efforts to further open the economy were stymied by coalition politics, and as the global economy slowed, India’s growth story faltered.
Though he was respected globally, at home, Singh struggled with the perception that Sonia Gandhi was the real power behind the government. His government’s latter years saw a series of setbacks, including the loss of crucial coalition support and the rise of Narendra Modi’s BJP, which promised a fresh start. Despite the criticism, Singh remained steadfast, reflecting in 2014 that “history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media.”
Singh, who led India through transformative years, passed away at 92 after a sudden medical emergency. He is survived by his wife and three daughters, leaving behind a legacy that history may well recognize for its quiet yet powerful impact on India’s rise.
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