Manmohan Singh passes away highlights: AIADMK MP Thambidurai pays tribute to Dr Manmohan Singh, praises his economic reforms

The last rites of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh will be held on Saturday, an official announcement is expected on Friday.

"The last rites of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh will be held the day after tomorrow. We will announce officially..." Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal told reporters in Delhi late Thursday night.

The Congress leader described the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh as a "painful loss" for the nation.

"Dr Manmohan Singh was the real icon of the Congress and the country. A post-independence hero. His mission and ability to govern the country was witnessed by everyone..." he said.

He further said that all the programs of the Congress have been cancelled for seven days including the Congress Foundation Day scheduled to be held on December 28.

The body of Dr Manmohan Singh reached his residence at 3 Motilal Nehru Marg late Thursday night from AIIMS and will be placed for the public to pay their last respects.

ormer Indian cricketers Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Irfan Pathan, and Shikhar Dhawan expressed their condolences following the death of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, lauding his contributions to the Indian economy and his visionary leadership.

Singh, who passed away on Thursday night, is remembered for his pivotal role in shaping India's economic reforms.

Taking to X, Gambhir said that Manmohan was "one of a kind". "Dr Manmohan Singh Ji was truly one of a kind. His contribution especially towards bringing economic stability to our country will be studied by future generations. May god give strength to his family and loved ones," Gambhir wrote in his post.

Indian players began the second day of the fourth Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) wearing black armbands as a mark of respect for former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away in Delhi on Thursday.

"The Indian Cricket Team is wearing black armbands as a mark of respect to former Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh who passed away on Thursday," the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) said in a post on X.

Several prominent leaders from the BJP, including Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath, Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami, Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini, Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, expressed their sorrow and grief over the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday.
They lauded his contributions to India's economic reforms and his service to the nation.

In a condolence message on X, Yogi Adityanath said, "As Finance Minister and Prime Minister, he played an important role in the governance of the country."

Pushkar Singh Dhami paid tribute in a post on X, saying, "His entire life was dedicated to the service of the nation while discharging various responsibilities."

Congress MP KC Venugopal said, "Manmohan Singh ji actually had changed the scenario of Indian economy. When the country was in deep trouble, through his initiative, the country escaped from that turmoil. We are now lacking that type of visionary (leader). Manmohan Singh ji's ability to control the financial trouble is totally appreciated."

Sam Pitroda, Chairperson of the Indian Overseas Congress, expressed deep grief over the passing away of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday.
In an interview with ANI, Pitroda offered his condolences to Dr Singh's family, friends, and the people of India, describing his death as a significant loss of a great leader who served as Prime Minister for a decade.

"I found him to be very Gandhian in his approach to leadership. He was a man of character, values, substance, education, experience, morals, and ethics. He was deeply committed to the values of the Congress party," Pitroda said.

He added that Manmohan Singh was "a leader who believed in democracy, freedom, human rights. He believed in truth, and trust, and understood that India's biggest challenge is income inequality. We had a job to lift millions of people below the poverty line and build more of an inclusive society. He respected our diversity and he was committed to economic prosperity. His decision in 1991 planted seeds for economic opportunities in India. Liberalisation was the key to his policy. We still have a long way to go. But I think seeds were planted quite some time ago."

Speaking about Dr Singh's leadership style, Pitroda said, "I found him to be a leader who was not focused on command and control, but was focused on communication, coordination, and co-creation."

: Business tycoons Anand Mahindra and Gautam Adani expressed their grief over the death of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Thursday.

Anand Mahindra, Chairman of Mahindra Group, offered his condolences on X, writing, "Farewell Dr. Manmohan Singh. You loved this nation. And your service to it will long be remembered."

Binoy Job, who served as Director in the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and as a spokesperson for Dr Manmohan Singh, offered heartfelt condolences following the demise of the former Prime Minister.

He described Singh as "one of the greatest leaders" and praised his transformative contributions to India and the world.

Dr Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday at the age of 92 due to age-related medical conditions, as confirmed by AIIMS.

In his tribute, Binoy Job said, "It was truly an honour to work with him as Director in the Prime Minister's Office and as a spokesperson to the Prime Minister."

"A true statesman and a change leader, who transformed India from the brink of economic collapse, to the true economic power-house that India is today. While he is known for economic reforms, his contributions in uplifting the poor through a number of social policies are his greatest contribution. And his role in uplifting Science and technology remains lesser known, but that will have a lasting impact," Job added.

Former Maldivian President Abdulla Shahid expressed his condolence on the demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Thursday.
Former President Shahid shared how Dr Singh's wisdom and knowledge greatly benefitted him and recalled the long association with him.

In a post on X, Shahid said, "Deeply saddened to hear of the demise of former Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh. I fondly recall his visit to the Maldives in 2011, where I, as then Speaker of Parliament, invited him to address a sitting of the Majlis - the first Head of State/Government to do so. I also recall our interactions during my first tenure as Foreign Minister in 2007. I greatly benefited from his wisdom and knowledge. He was always a friend of the Maldives. May he rest in peace, and may his family and loved ones be comforted by the lasting legacy he leaves. My deepest condolences to the people and Government of India on this loss."

Condolences have poured in from across the globe following the demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Leaders from neighbouring countries, including the Maldives and Afghanistan, expressed deep grief over his passing, highlighting his contributions and warm relations with their nations.

Former President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai in a post on X said that India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. Calling him an "unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan", Karzai profoundly mourned Singh's passing and expressed his deepest condolences.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday night visited the residence of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh to pay their respects. Singh, a two time former prime minister from 2004 to 2014, died at AIIMS in Delhi. Both Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had gone to Belagavi to attend the CWC meeting and rushed to Delhi soon after the news of Manmohan Singh's demise came.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has condoled the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, terming his passing away as an "irreparable loss to Indian politics".

Taking to X, the Uttar Pradesh CM wrote: "The demise of former Prime Minister and renowned economist Dr. Manmohan Singh is extremely sad and an irreparable loss to Indian politics. As Finance Minister and Prime Minister, he played an important role in the governance of the country. Humble tribute to him!

"I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant salvation to the departed soul and give strength to his bereaved family and supporters to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!"

The news of Dr. Singh's demise was confirmed by AIIMS New Delhi.

"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 sudden loss of consciousness at home on December 26. 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.,” said the hospital in a statement on Thursday. Dr. Manmohan Singh was 92.

Madhya Pradesh chief minister Mohan Yadav has expressed grief over the passing away of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, saying that the departed ex-PM will always be remembered for his contribution to the economic development of the country.

Taking to X, Mohan Yadav wrote: "The demise of former Prime Minister of India and great economist Dr. Manmohan Singh is an irreparable loss for the political world. While paying tribute, I pray to God to grant peace to the departed soul.

"While performing the duties of RBI Governor, Finance Minister and Prime Minister, he participated in the efforts for the economic prosperity of the country with his efficient and farsighted policies and faced various challenges boldly. He will always be remembered for his contribution to the economic development of the country. I offer my deepest condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief."

Congress National President and Rajya Sabha LoP Mallikarjun Kharge arrives at Delhi Airport.

The Congress leaders arrived in Delhi from Belagavi, Karnataka, where they had gathered for the CWC meeting.

The body of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh reached his residence late Thursday night from AIIMS and would be placed for the public to pay their last respects. The 92-year-old former two-time prime minster died on Thursday night at AIIMS, where he was rushed in the late evening. The body of the former prime minister was embalmed by doctors at AIIMS.

Singapore's High Commissioner to India, Simon Wong, offered condolences on the demise of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on Thursday.
Wong noted the significant contribution of Dr Singh in developing India-Singapore bilateral relations.

In a post on X, the Singaporean High Commissioner said, "Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Manmohan Singh Ji, a statesman whose wisdom and leadership shaped India's growth. His strong support of India-Singapore relations, as both FM and PM, played a pivotal role in developing our bilateral relations."

During his tenure as prime minister, Manmohan Singh "tried very hard" to establish "some kind of peace" with Pakistan, but it didn't work, former deputy NSA and his then close aide Pankaj Saran said on Thursday. Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, died here on Thursday night at the age of 92.

Saran termed Singh's demise as "very unfortunate", and described him as an intellectual, an economist of world standing, but also a "man who symbolised humility".

He was a consensus builder, a very simple man, "never expected to be a prime minister, but he served for 10 years," the former deputy NSA recalled.

Saran, a 1982-batch IFS officer, had earlier served as India's envoy to Russia. He also held various positions in India and abroad including the country's High Commissioner to Bangladesh.

He was appointed as deputy National Security Advisor (NSA) in 2018. "He (Manmohan Singh) was always a great listener, intellectual, an economist of world standing, widely respected. He was the first (Indian) prime minister at the start of the G20 Summit in 2008, and he developed a very high reputation among the global leaders, whose understanding of economics... All in all, I would say, a very fine person, a great human being, both in his personal life and officially," Saran told PTI.

Left parties on Thursday night condoled the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, calling him a leader with strong commitment to secularism. "We express our sorrow at the death of Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. He was a leader with a strong commitment to secularism, democracy and the pluralist ethos of India," Communist Party of India (Marxist) said in a post on X.

"We express our deep condolences to his wife Smt. Gursharan Kaur, his daughters and family," the Left party said.

Meanwhile, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya recalled the former prime minister's remarks that "history would be kinder" to him.

"He was grilled for scams that would never be proved, for his reticence that'd be held against him as a sign of weakness. But today India will perhaps agree to his 2014 remark: 'history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media'," Bhattacharya said in a post on X.

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh made "strategic corrections" to India's foreign policy, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Thursday, condoling the death of the Congress leader. Singh died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences on Thursday night. He was 92.

"Deeply grieved at the passing away of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today," Jaishankar said on X.

"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. Will always remember his kindness and courtesy," the external affairs minister said.

Jaishankar is currently on visit to the US.

Describing former prime minister Manmohan Singh as an exceptional exponent of decency, former law minister Ashwani Kumar has said in his death the nation has lost a voice of sanity and grace. Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms and a consensus builder in the rough world of politics, died here on Thursday night. He was 92.

"The passing of Dr Manmohan Singh is a colossal national tragedy. At a time when national politics is defined by intolerance and vicious animosities, an exceptional exponent of decency,magnanimity ,integrity and humility in public life has been taken away from us, depriving the nation of a voice of sanity and grace in these troubled times," Kumar said in his statement.

Kumar was part of Singh's cabinet and was minister for law and justice.

"Manmohan Singh carried his authority as Prime Minister with the lightness of a saint, never forgetting that power is transient. That his unfailing courtesies as prime minister extended to all was the mark of the man.

Mortal remains of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh were taken from AIIMS to his residence.

The former PM passed away at the age of 92. The Government of India has cancelled all programs scheduled for tomorrow and has declared a national mourning of 7 days. Dr Manmohan Singh’s last rites will be conducted with full state honours.

EAM Dr S Jaishankar tweets, "Deeply grieved at the passing away of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh today. 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. Will always remember his kindness and courtesy. My deepest condolences to his family."

The Congress on Thursday announced that all party official programmes, including its foundation day celebrations, will be cancelled for the next seven days as a mark of respect for former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at AIIMS here. Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, died at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, on Thursday night at the age of 92.

Congress general secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Surjewala said that as a mark of respect for Dr Manmohan Singh, the Congress has cancelled its 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan Rally' in Karnataka's Belgaum on Friday.

Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K C Venugopal said that as a mark of respect for the departed former prime minister, all official programmes of the Indian National Congress, including its foundation day celebrations, stand cancelled for the next seven days.

AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday condoled demise of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, saying it is an irreparable loss of the nation. In a post on X, the former Delhi chief minister said the intellect and simplicity of the former prime minister is hard to be described in words.

Kejriwal expressed his sympathies to the family and well-wishers of Singh and prayed for the departed soul.

Delhi chief minister Atishi said India has lost a leader whose dignity will always be remembered.

"With the passing of former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, the country has not just lost a world renowned economist, but a leader whose erudition and dignity will always be remembered. Deepest condolences to his family and loved one's. May God give them strength at this difficult time," she posted in X.

A seven-day mourning has been announced in Karnataka after the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. A government holiday has been declared tomorrow December 27: Karnataka CMO

Taking to X, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said," Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is no more. He had served as the Governor of RBI and as Finance Minister of India. Presented the milestone budget of 1991 which liberalised the Indian economy."
"Respected by all, he was soft-spoken and gentle. Condolences to his family and friends," she added.

Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar said, "Padma Vibhushan Manmohan Singh is no more. We have lost a great leader, the former PM of India. We had organised 'Jai Bapu, Jai Bheem, Jai Samvidhan' rally tomorrow. All our prominent leaders have left for Delhi in a special aircraft. The program organised for tomorrow stands cancelled. I request all the leaders who are here to join us at 10.30 am to pay tribute."

All Government programs scheduled tomorrow are to be cancelled. National mourning of 7 days to be declared. Cabinet is to meet tomorrow at 11 am. Dr Manmohan Singh’s last rites to be conducted with full state honours, news agency ANI reported citing sources.

Taking to X , Union minister Nitin Gadkari said, "I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. As the Finance Minister of the country, he worked to give a new direction to the Indian economy. Along with being highly educated, his personality was humble, modest, sensitive and dedicated to the country. As the President of the BJP, I got the opportunity to talk to him many times. He always had the thought of taking the country forward. This country can never forget Dr. Manmohan Singh. May God give peace to the departed soul and give strength to the family members."

Taking to X, Birla said, "The demise of former Prime Minister of the country Dr. Manmohan Singh ji is extremely sad."

"Apart from being an eminent economist and an enlightened politician, he will always be remembered for his gentle and simple behaviour. As an efficient administrator, Finance Minister and Prime Minister, he served the nation for decades," he added.

"My condolences are with Dr. Singh's family in this hour of grief. I pray to God to grant a place to the departed soul at his feet and give strength to the bereaved family and countrymen," he further said.

Om peace.

"It is a deeply emotional moment for me to speak about Dr Manmohan Singh. 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 self-effacing than Dr Singh. He wore his scholarship lightly and never claimed credit for any of his historic achievements," he said.

"The story of India turned after Dr Singh became Finance Minister. And the present middle class of India was virtually the creation of his policies as Finance Minister and Prime Minister. Throughout his tenure, he had great empathy for the poor. He did not hide the fact that many millions of India are poor and reminded us that government's policies must lean in favour of the poor. Examples of his empathy are MGNREGA and the restructuring of PDS and the extension of the mid-day meal scheme," he added.

"His story has not been told fully. His achievements have not been recorded fully. I am sure when we look back upon the 23 years that Dr Singh was in active politics, we will realize his true contribution," said.

Rahul Gandhi condoled the demise of Manmohan Singh and said that he had "lost a mentor and guide."

"Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kaur and the family. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride," he said.

"Profoundly stunned and saddened by the sudden demise of our former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ji," she said.

"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 by him in the country are widely acknowledged. The country will miss his stewardship and I shall miss his affection," she added.

"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 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," he said.

"I mourn the loss of a lifelong senior colleague, a gentle intellectual and a humble soul who embodied the aspirations of India, having risen through the ranks with unwavering dedication. I am proud to have been a part of his Cabinet as Labour Minister, Railway Minister and Social Welfare Minister," he added.

"A man of action rather than words, his immense contribution to nation-building will forever be etched in the annals of Indian history. In this moment of sorrow, I extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and countless admirers. May they get the strength to overcome this huge loss. His enduring legacy of ushering in India’s growth, welfare, and policies of inclusivity will forever be cherished. May his soul rest in eternal peace," he said.

"Deeply pained to learn about the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, former Prime Minister and a distinguished economist who transformed India's economic landscape. A Padma Vibhushan awardee and architect of India's economic liberalisation in 1991, he boldly steered our nation through a critical transition, opening new pathways for growth and prosperity," he said.

"As the Vice-President of India, I had the privilege to engage in meaningful, insightful interactions with Dr. Singh at his residence. His profound understanding of economy, gentle demeanor and unwavering commitment to India's progress will forever be etched in my memory. In Singh's passing, India has lost a leader of towering intellect and a statesman par excellence. His legacy will forever guide Bharat's growth trajectory. My heartfelt condolences to his family and countless admirers in this difficult hour," he added.

"India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic policy over the years. His interventions in Parliament were also insightful. As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives," he said.

"Deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. His contributions to the nation and his dedication to public service will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones," he said.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh ji. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Thank you for your service to our Nation. You will always be remembered for your Economic revolution and the progressive changes, you brought to the country," he said.

He born on September 26, 1932, in Punjab, was an academic and economist of great renown. He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics from Panjab University in 1952 and 1954, respectively. He later completed his Economic Tripos at Cambridge University in 1957, followed by a D.Phil in Economics from Oxford University in 1962.

Singh began his career as a teacher at Punjab University and the Delhi School of Economics before joining the Government of India in 1971 as an Economic Advisor in the Commerce Ministry. He was promoted to Chief Economic Advisor in the Finance Ministry the following year. After a brief tenure at the UNCTAD Secretariat, he served as Secretary General of the South Commission in Geneva from 1987 to 1990. Additionally, he held several prominent positions, including Secretary in the Finance Ministry, Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, Advisor to the Prime Minister, and Chairman of the University Grants Commission.

He served as India’s 13th Prime Minister for two consecutive terms from 2004 to 2014. Recognized as a thoughtful scholar and visionary, he was admired for his meticulous work ethic, academic approach, and humble, approachable demeanor.

Under his leadership, the government prioritized social welfare programs such as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Right to Information Act, both aimed at empowering the rural poor and enhancing governance.

Singh’s leadership also helped India navigate the global financial crisis of 2008 more effectively than many other nations, ensuring that the country emerged relatively unscathed.

In 1991, India was on the brink of sovereign default, grappling with a severe economic crisis. The Gulf War caused a sharp rise in oil prices and a drop in remittances from Indian workers abroad, leading to a dramatic fall in foreign exchange reserves, which plummeted to under $6 billion—barely enough to cover two weeks of imports.

During this crisis, Dr. Manmohan Singh, as Finance Minister, boldly declared, "No power on earth can stop an idea whose time has come," while presenting the Budget that would reform the nation’s economic landscape. Singh played a key role in driving India’s economic liberalization, implementing landmark reforms that opened up the economy, reduced import restrictions, and privatized state-owned enterprises.

While India’s economy continues to be viewed as a strong growth engine, many who lived through Singh's transformative era in the 1990s and 2000s acknowledge that some of the energy and momentum from that period has since waned.

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, aged 92, passed away on Thursday. He had been admitted to the emergency department of AIIMS Delhi, though the cause of his hospitalization has not been revealed.

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was also present at the hospital.