Indian Americans are mourning the loss of Manmohan Singh, one of India’s longest-serving Prime Ministers and the chief architect of the country’s economic reforms. PM Singh is being remembered for his visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties between the world’s oldest and largest democracies.

PM Singh passed away at the age of 92, due to age-related medical conditions, on December 26, 2024, at the All-India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi. In his honor, the Government of India has declared a seven-day period of national mourning.

PM Singh served as India’s Prime Minister for two consecutive terms, from 2004 to 2014, leading a coalition government under the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance. As finance minister in the PV Narasimha Rao administration during the early 1990s, he played a pivotal role in initiating India’s economic liberalization, which set the stage for the country’s rapid economic growth.

At a press conference in January 2014, PM Singh reflected on his legacy, saying, “I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or, for that matter, the Opposition parties in Parliament.” He retired from Rajya Sabha, India’s upper house of Parliament, in April 2024.

Tributes to a Visionary Leader:

Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a statement noted, “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.”

He underscored PM Singh’s “leadership,” in strengthening the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement which paved a way for a major investment in the potential of the U.S.-India relationship. “At home, Dr. Singh will be remembered for his economic reforms that spurred India’s rapid economic growth,” added Secretary Blinken. 

President & CEO of the US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) Mukesh Aghi told South Asian Herald, “PM Manmohan Singh was a true patriot. He understood that the economic growth of India would be tied to liberalization from license raj. He unleashed the Entrepreneur spirit of India. His relationship with US leadership was strong.”

Aghi also highlighted Singh’s partnership with President George W. Bush, particularly in signing the Civil Nuclear Deal, which broadened U.S.-India ties. “I had the honor of meeting him earlier this year,” he said, adding that Singh fondly recalled his experiences with Presidents Bush and Barack Obama.

Director of the White House National Drug Control Policy, Dr. Rahul Gupta told South Asian Herald, “Mr. Singh’s service to India did not begin with him becoming the Prime Minister. He leaves a legacy of reforms for India that not only steered the country’s economy but laid the foundation for India’s prosperity that now makes it one of the world’s leading powers.”

Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, Aruna Miller told South Asian Herald, “Manmohan Singh’s leadership and vision transformed India’s economic landscape and inspired generations. His legacy will continue to guide progress for years to come.”

Congressman Shri Thanedar (D-Michigan) recalled meeting Singh in New York years ago. “He was very kind and wise. His caring for the poor and specific policies to lift the people at the bottom are what I admired the most,” he told South Asian Herald.

Expressing condolences to family of PM Singh’s family, Congressman-elect from Virginia, Suhas Subramanyam told South Asian Herald, “PM Singh made historic strides in improving U.S.-India relations and made history as India’s first Sikh Prime Minister. He was a thoughtful leader who will be missed by the millions of people he served.”

Missouri’s State Treasurer, Vivek Malek told South Asian Herald, “Dr. Singh put India on the path of economic freedom and prosperity during the 90’s as India’s Finance Minister. He was the harbinger of friendly relations with the United States during his first term as the Prime Minister of India by securing the 123 nuclear deal with the US.”

Malek called Singh “a true son of the soil,” and praised his foundational role in India’s rise as a global leader.

President, Indian Overseas Congress, Washington DC Chapter, Johnson Myalil referred to PM Singh as a “statesman, visionary, intellectual, and gentleman.”

Myalil told South Asian Herald, “He was a generational leader who fortified the foundations of the Indian economy, enabling it to withstand economic upheavals and achieve robust development,” adding “He was also a global leader. When he spoke in his soft voice, the world listened. His passing is a profound loss for India and the world.”

President of the Overseas Friends of BJP USA (OFBJP-USA) Adapa Prasad told South Asian Herald, “I feel sad that former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh is no more. He was a gentleman and always be remembered as the co-architect of India’s economic modernization along with former prime minister PV Narasimha Rao.” 

Conveying OFBJP-USA’s tributes to PM Singh, Prasad emphasized that Singh’s contributions to India’s growth story will be cherished by the Indian diaspora and the people of India.

Dean of Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland, Prabhudev Konana highlighted PM Singh’s pivotal role in India’s economic liberalization. Konana told South Asian Herald, “Many aren’t aware that India’s economic liberalization began in 1991 when PM Singh was then Finance Minister and helped set the foundation for today’s stellar outlook. His training in economics helped navigate a tough environment.”

Chair of Virginia Asian Advisory Board, Srilekha Palle commended PM Singh’s profound dedication and significant contributions to India’s modernization.

“His visionary leadership and commitment to economic reforms catalyzed India’s global standing and development. The nation not only mourns the loss of a distinguished leader but also celebrates the enduring legacy of a man who steered India through pivotal transformations with integrity and foresight,” Palle told South Asian Herald. “Dr. Singh will always be remembered as the architect of Modern India’s economic growth.” 

Chair of Maryland Governor’s Commission on South Asian American Affairs, Gurpreet Takhar said PM Singh’s passing is an “immeasurable loss not just to India, but to the world.”

Takhar told South Asian Herald, “Dr. Singh was a statesman of unparalleled integrity, vision, and intellect—a true architect of modern India. His leadership during pivotal moments transformed India into a global economic powerhouse while ensuring that the values of democracy and inclusivity remained at the forefront.”

According to Takhar, for Indian Americans and the global South Asian diaspora, PM Singh was more than a leader. “He was an inspiration, embodying humility, wisdom, and a steadfast commitment to public service. His legacy will endure as a beacon of hope and progress for generations,” he expressed.

President of the US-India SME Council, Elisha Pulivarti, told South Asian Herald, “PM Singh was a towering personality in political and economic landscapes.”

Founder and Chairman of Sikhs of America USA, Jesse Singh told South Asian Herald, “PM Singh was the architect of modern India. He was respected by all world leaders, and they sought his advice on economy issues.” 

He noted that PM Singh “deserves,” Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. “He was probably the last leader who was admired and respected by both sides of the aisle in parliament,” remarked Singh. 

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