Government sources said a seven-day national mourning will be observed and that Singh’s last rites will be conducted with full state honours.
Leaders of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Russia, United States, United KIngdom,Sri Lanka,Mehbooba Mufti and Chief Ministers of Indian states expressed their grief and sorrow on his death
Singh was taken to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi for emergency treatment on Thursday after “sudden loss of consciousness at home,” the hospital said in a statement, adding that he had been undergoing care for age-related medical conditions.
Despite emergency efforts, he was declared dead on Thursday night, the hospital said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India was mourning Singh’s passing, calling him one of the country’s “most distinguished leaders.”
“As our Prime Minister, he made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives,” Modi wrote on X on Thursday.
Known for wearing his trademark blue turban, Singh was India’s first prime minister from the Sikh minority. He led the country from 2004 to 2014, completing a rare two full terms in the world’s largest – and often tumultuous – democracy.
An Oxford-trained economist, he was widely credited as the architect of far-reaching reforms that opened up India’s economy, propelling years of unprecedented growth and lifting tens of millions of people out of poverty.
He also oversaw a new era of warming relations between India and the United States, marked by the signing of a historic nuclear-energy deal between the two countries in 2008.
Washington offered its condolences following Singh’s death. In a statement, Secretary of State Antony Blinken called Singh “one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership.”
“We mourn Dr. Singh’s passing and will always remember his dedication to bringing the United States and India closer together,” Blinken said.
Growing up poor, Singh was widely respected for his personal integrity and humility. However, a series of corruption scandals against his ministers in his second term had tarnished his image – though he was never accused of being corrupt himself.
The soft-spoken, mild-mannered technocrat didn’t set out to run for top office. Dubbed by some as a “reluctant king,” Singh was tapped to become prime minister by Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi, who decided to turn down the role herself after leading her party to a shock election victory over the ruling Hindu nationalists in 2004.
Born in Italy, Gandhi faced opposition from Hindu nationalists to lead the country over her foreign roots. And so, she turned to Singh, who was then known for his role in unleashing a bold wave of economic reforms as finance minister in the early 1990s. Though some critics say Gandhi, widow of an assassinated prime minister, had been the real source of power behind the scenes.
Born in 1932 in a farming village without electricity in what was then British-ruled India and now part of Pakistan, Singh grew up in poverty with nine siblings. He studied hard and attended university in India, before heading to Britain to obtain a master’s degree from the University of Cambridge and a PhD in economics from Oxford.
After graduation, he returned to India to teach economics at his alma mater. He joined the commerce ministry as an economic adviser in 1971, starting a decades-long career in government.
Two decades later, Singh rose through the ranks to become the country’s finance minister when India was on the verge of economic collapse, with its foreign exchange reserves sufficient to cover only a few weeks of essential imports.
He moved swiftly to unleash a barrage of ambitious measures to transform India’s inward-looking economy, privatizing bloated state-run companies and courting foreign investment. The reforms jump-started India’s economic growth, propelling it to the world’s fifth largest economy of today.
Singh adopted a low profile after relinquishing the post of prime minister to his successor, Modi.Months before his death, Singh said at a press conference that he did the best he could as prime minister.
“I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or, for that matter, the opposition parties in parliament,” he said, according to Reuters.
Singh is survived by his wife and three daughters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and top BJP leaders reached Dr Singh’s residence to pay their last respects to the “visionary leader” and architect of India’s economic reforms. Congress MPs Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Priyanka Gandhi also arrived there to pay tributes.
The Centre has announced a seven-day national mourning in honour of Dr Manmohan Singh ahead of a Cabinet meeting scheduled today at 11 am. The Cabinet also passed a condolence resolution to honour the late former Prime Minister.
Condolences poured in from all ends of the spectrum. President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed condolences on the passing away of former PM Manmohan Singh.
PM Modi condoled the demise and said that the former PM rose from humble origins and made extensive efforts to improve people’s lives. Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed condolences and recalled the former PM’s contribution to the nation.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi also paid tributes to Dr Singh, stating that he “lost a mentor and guide”.
Former President Ram Nath Kovind Paid His Last Respects To Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh
Former President Ram Nath Kovind paid his last respects to former PM Dr Manmohan Singh.
He said, “I am personally grieving the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. It is not only a loss to the nation but it is an irreversible loss to me…When India was facing an economic crisis, he came in front of us as Finance Minister…He is a novel reformer for the Indian economy…”
Mauritius PM Ramgoolam Pays Homage To Late Manmohan Singh At The Indian High Commission In Port Louis
Mauritius PM Ramgoolam pays homage to late ex-PM Manmohan Singh at the Indian High commission in Port Louis.
He visited the High Commission and signed the Condolence Book opened in memory of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India.Ganga Aarti Being Performed At Varanasi's Dashashwamedh Ghat As A Tribute To Manmohan Singh
Ganga Aarti is being performed at Varanasi’s Dashashwamedh Ghat as a tribute to late former PM Dr Manmohan Singh Former PM Dr Manmohan Singh died yesterday at AIIMS Delhi
Portugal PM Luís Montenegro Condoles Passing Away Of Manmohan Singh
Prime Minister of Portugal, Luís Montenegro tweets, “I deeply regret the passing away of former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh. A life dedicated to his country, a reference in the international concert of nations. The Government of Portugal offers its condolences to the family and the Indian people.”
Sukhbir Badal Claims Centre 'Declined' Manmohan Family's Request On Funeral Place
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Sukhbir Singh Badal Friday claimed the Centre has “declined” the request of Manmohan Singh’s family for performing the funeral and last rites at a place where an appropriate memorial may be built.
The government announced that a State funeral will be accorded to Singh and it will take place at 11:45 AM Saturday at Nigambodh Ghat.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to hold the funeral for Singh at a place where a memorial can be built later. He also said that this would be a befitting tribute to a leader of Singh’s stature and also in keeping with past traditions of former prime ministers.
Manmohan Singh Never Discouraged Colleagues, His Presence Empowered Those Around: Shivraj Patil
Former Union minister Shivraj Patil Chakurkar on Friday condoled the death of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, stating that he never demeaned or discouraged his colleagues, and his presence and guidance empowered those around him to achieve greater heights.
He said that Singh’s remarkable leadership steered India out of severe economic crises and the liberalisation policy helped position India on the global stage.
Singh, who opened up the economy as finance minister and served as prime minister for two consecutive terms, died on Thursday at the age of 92.
Construction Of ‘Rashtriya Smriti’ At The Samadhis Complex In New Delhi
The Union Cabinet on Friday gave its approval for the construction of a ‘Rashtriya Smriti’ at the Samadhis Complex near Ekta Sthal in New Delhi, to establish a place to perform last rites of departed national leaders namely Presidents, Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers, former Presidents, Vice Presidents, Prime Ministers and such other leaders as decided by the Cabinet.
In the past, separate memorials for departed national leaders were created near Rajghat which covered a large space. In view of Cabinet decision taken in the year 2000 that “Henceforth Government shall not develop any Samadhi for departed leaders” and the paucity of land at the Samadhis Complex area, ‘Rashtriya Smriti’ is being developed to perform last rites of departed national leaders. The Smriti area will provide space for last rites of departed national leaders in future, besides space for a public gathering.
Shivakumar Seeks Research Centre At Bangalore University For Ex-PM Manmohan Singh
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday wrote to the state’s Higher Education Minister, M C Sudhakar, requesting necessary steps to establish a research centre at Bangalore University in honour of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
The centre would focus on studying, researching, and documenting Singh’s programmes and policies.
Manmohan Singh, widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reforms, passed away in New Delhi on Thursday night at the age of 92.
'We Feel Someone From Our Family Has Died': A Village In Pakistan Mourns Manmohan's Death
“The entire village is in mourning. We feel that someone from our family has died today,” Altaf Hussain told PTI as a group of local residents held a meeting to condole the death of village boy Manmohan who became prime minister next door.
Hussain is a teacher at the same school in Gah village where Manmohan Singh studied up to class 4. His father Gurmukh Singh was a cloth merchant and his mother Amrat Kaur a homemaker. His friends called him ‘Mohna’.
The village lies about 100 km southwest of capital Islamabad and was part of Jhelum district when Singh was born. But it was included in Chakwal when it was made a district in 1986.
Kharge Urges PM Modi To Conduct Last Rites Of Manmohan Singh Where Memorial Can Be Built
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to conduct the last rites of former PM Manmohan Singh at a place where a memorial can be built.
He wrote the letter after speaking to Modi about setting up a memorial for Singh, who was a two-term prime minister revered by the people of the country.
“Apropos our telephonic conversation today morning, wherein I made a request to hold Dr Manmohan Singh’s last rites, which will take place tomorrow i.e. 28th December 2024, at his final resting place that would be a sacrosanct venue for memorial of the great son of India.
Kharge Urges PM Modi To Conduct Last Rites Of Manmohan Singh Where Memorial Can Be Built
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to conduct the last rites of former PM Manmohan Singh at a place where a memorial can be built.
He wrote the letter after speaking to Modi about setting up a memorial for Singh, who was a two-term prime minister revered by the people of the country.
“Apropos our telephonic conversation today morning, wherein I made a request to hold Dr Manmohan Singh’s last rites, which will take place tomorrow i.e. 28th December 2024, at his final resting place that would be a sacrosanct venue for memorial of the great son of India.
Mortal Remains Of Manmohan Singh Would Be Taken To Congress HQs At 8am Tomorrow
The mortal remains of Dr Manmohan Singh would be taken to the Congress Headquarters at 8 am on Saturday. Congress workers and general public would have the opportunity to pay their homage between 8.30 am and 9.30 am tomorrow.
Kharge Urges Memorial For Manmohan Singh
Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge spoke to the Prime Minister and Home Minister over the phone and wrote a letter requesting to establish a memorial in Manmohan Singh’s honour.
Manmohan Singh's Last Rites Would Be Performed At Nigambodh Ghat At 11:45 Am On Saturday
Manmohan Singh’s last rites would be performed at Nigambodh Ghat with full state honours at 11:45 am on Saturday.
Pakistan Deputy PM Condoles Death Of Manmohan Singh
Pakistan Deputy PM Ishaq Dar condoled death of former PM Manmohan Singh and said, “Saddened by the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India. Born in a village in Pakistan’s Chakwal district, Dr. Singh was a distinguished economist and political leader. He will be remembered for his wisdom and gentle demeanor. Beyond his remarkable achievements in the field of economics, Dr. Singh demonstrated a commitment to promoting regional peace. His approach to regional issues reflected his belief that mutual understanding, dialogue and cooperation were essential for collective progress. He played a notable role in improving Pakistan-India bilateral relations during his tenure as Prime Minister. The people and the Government Pakistan extend their heartfelt condolences to Dr. Manmohan Singh’s family, and to the people and the Government of India.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin Condoles Ex-PM's Death
Russian President Vladimir #Putin extended condolences to President Murmu and PM Modi on the passing of former PM Manmohan Singh. Putin said that Manmohan Singh made a major personal contribution to strengthening friendly ties between the two countries.
Mauritius FM To Attend Manmohan Singh’s State Funeral Tomorrow
Cabinet of Mauritius has taken note with sadness of the demise of Dr. Manmohan Singh. On behalf of government and the people of Mauritius, a message of condolence has been sent to the bereaved family. D. Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs would also represent Mauritius at the state funeral.
Congress' CWC Adopted A Condolence Resolution At The Passing Away Of Former PM
The Congress Working Committee met this evening to adopt a condolence resolution at the passing away of Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Manmohan Singh Death News: Change Of Guard Ceremony At Rashtrapati Bhavan Won't Take Place Tomorrow
The Change of Guard Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan will not take place tomorrow (December 28, 2024) due to National Mourning.
'As PM, I Cannot Let Any Indian Go Without Food', Recounts Manmohan Singh's Agriculture Secretary
Manmohan Singh’s former food and agriculture secretary T Nanda Kumar on Friday shared his memories of working with the former prime minister during some of India’s most challenging times.
Manmohan Singh, whose leadership was defined by compassion and intellect, passed away in New Delhi on Thursday night at the age of 92.
Recalling his first one-on-one meeting with Singh in 2006, Nanda Kumar said India was facing a shortage of what at that time and it was decided to import it, sparking criticism from several quarters.
Congress Working Committee (CWC) Meeting Convenes To Pay Homage To Singh
Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi arrives at AICC headquarters for the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting
The meeting has been convened to pay homage to former Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh
Manmohan Singh Was Committed to Idea of Accountability and Transparency, Say RTI Activists
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who ushered in an era of transparency, accountability and democratic empowerment with the implementation of the Right to Information Act, was a little “uncertain about its impact” on government functioning, but was committed to the idea of “accountability and transparency”, RTI activists and former information commissioners said.
Singh, a two-term Prime Minister who passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here on Thursday at the age of 92, implemented the RTI Act in 2005.
The Act gave citizens the power to seek information from the government for a payment of Rs 10, ending decades of secrecy in government functioning.
Panjab University Pays Homage To Manmohan Singh
Panjab University Friday organised a condolence meeting to pay homage to former prime minister and distinguished alumnus Dr Manmohan Singh.
The gathering was attended by Vice Chancellor Prof Renu Vig, Registrar Y P Verma and faculty and other staff.
During the meeting, tributes were paid to Singh, as attendees reflected on his contributions to the nation and his association with the university.Manmohan Singh Death News: Malaysian PM Recalls How Manmohan Offered Scholarships For His Children
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim wrote a moving tribute to Manmohan Singh Friday, recalling how the Indian leader offered scholarships for his children while he was in prison.
On X, he described the former prime minister, who died Thursday, as “the midwife of India’s emergence as one of the world’s economic giants”.
And also as “my mitra, my bhai, Manmohan”.
Though Anwar declined the offer, he was clearly moved by the gesture. The Malaysian leader was in jail from 1999 to 2004, when his sentence was overturned. During this period, Singh was Leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha.
“Dr Manmohan Singh, slightly awkward as a politician but undeniably upright, steadfast and resolute as a statesman, leaves behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come,” he posted.
Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Mohd Yunus Sends Condolences On The Demise Of Former PM
Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Mohd Yunus sends condolences on the demise of former Indian PM Manmohan Singh. In his message, Yunus described Singh as a person of great humility, a visionary leader, a statesman, who was known for his unwavering commitment to ensuring the welfare of the people of India.
Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake Expressed Grief Over Manmohan Singh's Death
Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake expressed grief over Manmohan Singh’s death and said, “On behalf of the people of Sri Lanka and myself, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Republic of India, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s family, and his countless admirers worldwide. A visionary leader, Dr. Singh’s influence transcended national boundaries. As Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, his transformative policies, like the Right to Education Act and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, reflected his steadfast commitment to equity and inclusivity. A tireless advocate of international collaboration, he forged lasting alliances, contributed to coalitions like BRICS, and showcased remarkable diplomacy through achievements such as the Indo-US nuclear agreement. His humility, intellect, and dedication to public service will forever inspire future generations. May his soul find peace and be united with the divine.”
Philanthropist Sudha Murthy Condoles Ex-PM's Death
Philanthropist Sudha Murthy expressed grief over Manmohan Singh’s death and said, “I had the privilege of meeting Manmohan Singh ji at his residence last week. I spoke to him about his invaluable contributions to our nation, to which he responded with a gentle smile. He graciously blessed me with a touch of his right hand. Today, we mourn the loss of a remarkable man, full of humility and great wisdom.”
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis Condoles Ex-PM's Death
Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed grief over Dr Manmohan Singh’s demise, and said, “We all are in immense grief due to the demise of the former PM Manmohan Singh. He tried to fulfil all his duties being the finance minister, RBI governor, and prime minister of the country, especially his effort to give the country’s economy a new direction… His departure is a great and irreparable loss to the country. I express my condolences and pray for the peace of the departed soul.
Locals Recall Manmohan Singh's Special Bond With Amritsar
Born in 1932 at Gah in Punjab province which now falls in Pakistan’s Chakwal district, the Singh family migrated to Amritsar after Partition in 1948 after a short stint in Haldwani.
Singh completed his intermediate and graduation in economics from the Hindu College here before moving out of the city to pursue higher studies in Panjab University’s Hoshiarpur campus.
Singh’s half-brother from his father’s extended family, Surjit Singh Kohli, who ran a readymade garment business in Amritsar, said the former prime minister had deep affection for his grandmother who raised him following his mother’s death when he was very young.
“Manmohan Singh shared a deep attachment with Amritsar. He used to visit the Golden Temple every time he came to the holy city,” Surjit Kohli said.
‘Manmohan Singh Proved Big Changes Don’t Require Loud Noises’, Ex-Cabinet Secy KM Chandrasekhar
Talking to News 18 exclusively, KM Chandrasekhar, Manmohan Singh’s longest-serving Cabinet Secretary, describes him as a leader who always preferred “results over rhetoric, relying on persuasion, coordination, and a calm resolve to navigate the treacherous waters of governance.”
China Lauds Manmohan Singh’s Contribution To Development Of Sino-India Ties
China on Friday paid tributes to former prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh saying that he made a “positive contribution” to the development of India-China relations recalling key agreements signed between the two countries during his tenure to address the vexed boundary issue.
Singh was a senior politician and renowned economist of India and had made a positive contribution to the development of India-China relations, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a media briefing here replying to a question on Singh’s legacy to the improvement of the ties between the two countries.
Why Is The Funeral Not Today
Although Dr Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday, his final rites will be perfomed on Saturday because of his daughter’s arrival date. Singh’s daughter, who lives in the United States, will reach Delhi late on Friday night, after which the funeral arrangements will proceed, sources said. It is customary that the family be present for the final rites, and this is why the ceremony has been rescheduled for Saturday.
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu Arrives At Ex-PM's Residence To Pay Tributes
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has arrived at the residence of former PM Manmohan Singh in Delhi to pay his final respects to the departed soul.
He said, “… Today, India stands in a prominent position globally, largely due to his visionary reforms. He played a crucial role in the implementation of landmark policies such as NREGA, RTI, and the Right to Education… Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was not only an economist but also a bureaucrat, politician, and academician. It is indeed unfortunate to lose such a remarkable personality. His reforms will continue to inspire future generations, and it is the responsibility of everyone to uphold his ideology for the betterment of the country.”
BJP Leaders In Delhi Observe Moment Of Silence During Press Conference
BJP leaders including MP Bansuri Swaraj observed a moment of silence to express grief over the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during a press conference in Delhi.
Telangana CM Revanth Reddy Arrives At Ex-PM's Residence To Pay Respects
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has arrived at the residence of former PM Manmohan Singh in Delhi to pay his final respects.
Mehbooba Mufti Pays Tribute To Ex-PM, Says 'Never Seen Any PM Like Him'
PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti paid her final respects to former PM Manmohan Singh, saying she has never seen a Prime Minister like him and crediting him for the PDP-Congress alliance. “In 2002, when PDP and Congress started talks, Sonia ji sent Manmohan Singh to Kashmir. I haven’t seen such a humble person in my life,” she said.
Mufti also asserted that Singh was a ‘Bharat Ratna’ himself and deserves India’s highest civilian honour. She also took a dig at PM Modi, saying Manmohan Singh came from a poorer family but wanted to hold dialogue and resolve issues related to Kashmir.
Ex-PM's Sister Gobind Kaur Mourns His Demise
Gobind Kaur, the sister of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, was seen mourning his demise in Kolkata. Manmohan Singh passed away at the age of 92 at AIIMS, New Delhi.Delhi CM Atishi Pays Tributes To Former PM
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi paid her final respects to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at his residence in the national capital. “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,” she earlier said on X.
Manmohan Singh Death News: Arvind Kejriwal Pays Final Respects To Former PM
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal paid his final respects to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92 yesterday. “Dr. Singh was a visionary leader whose economic reforms shaped modern India and whose humility touched countless lives,” he said.
Paid my last respects to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh ji. Met his family during this solemn moment and extended my condolences to them.
Dr. Singh was a visionary leader whose economic reforms shaped modern India and whose humility touched countless lives. pic.twitter.com/MSgIxThmGb
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) December 27, 2024Manmohan Singh Death News: Nepal President Honours 'Visionary Leader', Expresses Condolences
Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel called former Indian PM Manmohan Singh a “visionary leader” and extended sympathies to the government and the people of India. “We are profoundly saddened by the passing away of former Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh. Dr Singh was a visionary leader of India,” he said.