Thu Dec 26 23:32:39 UTC 2024: ## India Mourns the Passing of Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

**NEW DELHI** – Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away Thursday at the age of 92, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) announced. Singh, who served two terms as Prime Minister, lost consciousness at his home and was rushed to AIIMS in New Delhi, where he was pronounced dead at 9:51 p.m. local time.

AIIMS stated that Singh had been receiving treatment for age-related health issues. Current Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, calling Singh one of India’s “most distinguished leaders” and praising his efforts to improve the lives of Indian citizens.

Singh’s political career spanned decades. He unexpectedly became Prime Minister in 2004 after Congress Party leader Sonia Gandhi declined the position. Known for his role in spearheading economic reforms in the 1990s as Finance Minister, his premiership saw the introduction of welfare schemes and a landmark nuclear energy deal with the United States in 2008. He was even a guest of honor at President Barack Obama’s first White House state dinner in 2009.

While his tenure also saw high-profile corruption allegations against members of his administration (though Singh himself was never implicated), he maintained he had done his best. In a press conference months before his death, he expressed confidence that history would judge him more favorably than his contemporary critics.

Singh is survived by his wife and three daughters. His death marks the end of an era in Indian politics, leaving behind a complex legacy of both significant achievements and periods of intense scrutiny.

Read More