India is in mourning following the death of former prime Minister manmohan Singh at age 92. His passing on Tuesday, December 26, 2024, prompted a wave of tributes from across the political spectrum and the business world.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), described Singh as one of India’s “most distinguished leaders,” a testament too his enduring legacy. modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) succeeded Singh’s Congress-led coalition in 2014.
Modi further praised Singh as a “respected economist” whose influence on India’s economic policies remains profound. “He left a strong imprint,” Modi noted, highlighting Singh’s significant contributions.
Before his premiership, Singh held key positions, including Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (1982) and Finance Minister (1991). His tenure as Finance Minister was pivotal. He spearheaded crucial economic reforms, deregulating the indian economy and attracting substantial foreign investment.
Facing a severe balance-of-payments crisis in 1991, then-Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and Singh collaborated on bold economic liberalization measures. These reforms laid the groundwork for India’s remarkable economic growth in subsequent decades. Gautam Adani, India’s second-richest person, aptly summarized this impact: “History will forever honor his pivotal role in the transformative 1991 reforms that reshaped India and opened its doors to the world.”
Singh’s return to the political forefront in 2004, as Prime Minister of a Congress-led coalition, marked a new chapter. His leadership from 2004 to 2014 saw periods of rapid GDP growth, enabling the implementation of significant social programs like the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, a landmark initiative guaranteeing employment for the impoverished.
However, his later years in office were also marked by slower economic growth, stalled reforms, and allegations of corruption within the government.
Singh’s legacy extends beyond domestic policy. He played a crucial role in strengthening India’s relationship with the United States, making multiple visits as Prime Minister. A notable achievement was brokering a deal in 2006, during President George W. bush’s visit to India, securing access to U.S. nuclear technology for india. The U.S. Department of State acknowledged his contribution, stating: “dr. Singh was one of the greatest champions of the U.S.-India strategic partnership,and his work laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades.”
Beyond the U.S., singh also fostered stronger ties with Russia, further solidifying India’s position on the global stage. His contributions to India’s economic and foreign policy will be remembered for generations to come.
Remembering Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Legacy of India-Russia Cooperation
The passing of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh marks the end of an era, notably in the context of India’s relationship with Russia. His consistent engagement with Russia, spanning decades, significantly shaped the bilateral ties between the two nations.
Dr. Singh was a key figure in the India-russia Annual Summit, a crucial forum established in 2000 to foster deeper collaboration between the two countries. This initiative, reflecting a shared commitment to multilateralism, also played a vital role in strengthening ties among BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).

His dedication to strengthening these partnerships extended beyond formal summits. His leadership fostered a climate of trust and mutual understanding, paving the way for increased cooperation in various sectors, from energy and defense to technology and trade. The impact of his diplomatic efforts continues to resonate today.
The significance of Dr. Singh’s contribution was eloquently summarized by Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, who stated on X (formerly Twitter): “Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable.”
This statement underscores the profound respect and recognition afforded to Dr.Singh’s legacy within the Russian diplomatic community. His commitment to fostering strong, mutually beneficial relationships with Russia serves as a testament to his diplomatic acumen and enduring vision for India’s place on the world stage.His work has left an indelible mark on the strategic partnership between India and Russia, a relationship crucial for both nations’ geopolitical standing.
The impact of Dr. Singh’s legacy extends beyond the bilateral relationship. His involvement in BRICS,a group representing a significant portion of the global economy,highlights his commitment to multilateral cooperation and a more balanced global order. His contributions to this forum have had a lasting impact on international relations and continue to shape global discussions on trade, development, and security.
Remembering Manmohan Singh: Architect of India’s modern Economy
India mourns the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a stalwart figure who shaped the nation’s economic landscape and steered its foreign policy during a pivotal era. His transformative policies, both domestically and internationally, have left an indelible mark on India’s trajectory.
A Conversation with Dr. Amitabh Sinha, Economist and political Analyst
World-Today News Senior Editor: Dr. Sinha, Manmohan Singh is frequently enough hailed as the architect of modern India’s economy. could you elaborate on this?
Dr. Amitabh Sinha: Indeed. Dr. Singh played a pivotal role in dismantling the Licence Raj, India’s stifling bureaucratic control over the economy. as Finance Minister in 1991, he implemented a series of bold liberalisation measures, opening up sectors to foreign investment and fostering competition. this ushered in a period of sustained economic growth and transformed India from a centrally planned economy to a global player.
World-Today News Senior Editor: What were some of the key reforms he spearheaded?
Dr. Amitabh Sinha: Key reforms included reducing trade barriers, delicensing industries, and encouraging privatisation. He also focused on fiscal discipline and structural adjustments to strengthen the financial sector. These reforms laid the foundation for India’s emergence as a major economic power in the 21st century.
World-Today News Senior editor: We can’t forget his tenure as Prime Minister. How would you characterize his leadership during that period?
Dr. Amitabh Sinha: Dr. Singh’s two terms as Prime Minister (2004-2014) were marked by a focus on inclusive growth. He oversaw meaningful social welfare programs, including the National rural employment Guarantee Act, which provided a safety net for millions in rural areas. His government also invested heavily in infrastructure development and education.
World-today News Senior Editor: His foreign policy was also noteworthy. How did he navigate India’s global relations?
Dr. Amitabh Sinha: Dr.Singh prioritized strengthening ties with major global powers, particularly the United States. His efforts to secure access to U.S. nuclear technology in 2006 were a major diplomatic achievement.He also played a crucial role in fostering closer cooperation with Russia and other key partners within the BRICS framework.
World-Today News Senior Editor: what will be Dr. Singh’s enduring legacy?
Dr. Amitabh Sinha: Dr. Singh will be remembered as a visionary leader who steered India through a period of transformative change. His commitment to economic reform, social development, and a balanced foreign policy has left a lasting impact on India’s journey towards becoming a global leader.