Manmohan Singh, Indian Ex-PM and Architect of Economic Reform, Dies at 92

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Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister of India and an architect of the country’s economic reforms, has passed away at the age of 92. Singh, who served as the country’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, was a highly regarded economist who played a crucial role in transforming India’s economy into one of the world’s fastest-growing. His leadership during the 1990s and early 2000s set the foundation for India’s global economic integration. His death marks the end of an era for Indian politics and economy, as he was a key figure in the country’s modernization.

Economic Reforms and Global Integration

Singh’s most significant contribution to India’s growth came in 1991 when, as Finance Minister, he introduced sweeping economic reforms. Faced with a balance-of-payments crisis, Singh dismantled the License Raj, a system that imposed strict regulations on businesses. This paved the way for liberalization, allowing private companies to flourish and attracting foreign investment. Singh’s policies of privatization, deregulation, and globalization modernized India’s economy, making it a major player in the global marketplace. Under his stewardship, India’s GDP grew at a rapid pace, and the nation became an economic powerhouse.

As Prime Minister, Singh oversaw the country’s development through a period of major global economic turbulence, including the 2008 financial crisis. India’s economy proved resilient due to Singh’s prudent fiscal policies, which helped maintain growth despite global challenges. Singh was also known for his dedication to social welfare, focusing on programs aimed at reducing poverty and improving education and healthcare in rural India.

Singh’s death has elicited heartfelt tributes from political leaders across India and abroad. His legacy as a visionary economist, who balanced economic growth with social development, continues to shape the course of Indian policy.