• Dr. Manmohan Singh, India's 14th Prime Minister, has passed away at 92, drawing tributes from world leaders.
• US President Joe Biden praised Dr. Singh's strategic vision and political courage, crediting him for key milestones in Indo-US relations.
• Dr. Singh's funeral was held with full state honors, and a memorial space will be allocated by the Government.
• His contributions to India's economic reforms and his role in strengthening Indo-US relations will be remembered for generations to come.

The world is in mourning following the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, India's 14th Prime Minister, who died at the age of 92 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. Known for his economic acumen and diplomatic prowess, Dr. Singh's tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 left an indelible mark on India's economic and diplomatic landscape. His death has drawn heartfelt tributes from leaders worldwide, including US President Joe Biden, who described him as a true statesman, a kind and humble person, and a dedicated public servant.

In an official statement issued by the White House, President Biden expressed his condolences, stating, Jill and I join the people of India in grieving the loss of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He emphasized that the unprecedented level of cooperation between the United States and India today would not have been possible without Dr. Singh's strategic vision and political courage. President Biden credited Dr. Singh for key milestones in Indo-US relations, including the landmark US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement and the establishment of the Quad between Indo-Pacific partners.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also mourned Dr. Singh's passing, calling him one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership. Blinken highlighted Dr. Singh's pivotal role in advancing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement and his contribution to India's rapid economic growth.

Dr. Singh's Legacy and Funeral

Dr. Singh's funeral was held with full state honors. His coffin, draped in garlands of flowers in the orange, white, and green colors of India's flag, was taken through the capital to be cremated. His final journey began from the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, with hundreds of Dr. Singh's well-wishers and Congress leaders walking alongside. The Government has decided to allocate space for a memorial for the late Prime Minister.

Dr. Singh's life and work have been widely recognized and praised. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called him an "inspirational example" on his last day in the Rajya Sabha. Despite being educated at the world's prestigious institutes and occupying leading positions, Dr. Singh never forgot the values of his humble background. His welfare schemes brought relief to millions of Indians cutting across caste, creed, and religion. He empowered his teams to function with independence and trust, fostering an environment of collaboration and excellence.

Dr. Singh's academic career included teaching at Panjab University and later at Delhi School of Economics. He was chosen to fill the role of Prime Minister in 2004 by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of assassinated prime minister Rajiv Gandhi. His tenure saw India clock its highest GDP growth rate of 9 per cent in 2007, becoming the second fastest-growing economy globally.

Dr. Singh's Impact on India and the World

He risked the survival of his coalition government for the 2008 Indo-US nuclear deal as Left parties had withdrawn support. He led the Congress-led UPA to victory in the 2009 general elections, defeating the main rival, the LK Advani-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Dr. Singh's government also introduced the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), which later came to be known as MGNREGA. The Right to Information Act (RTI) was passed in 2005 under the Manmohan Singh government, which made the transparency of information between the government and the public better. He retired from the Rajya Sabha earlier this year after serving for 33 years.

Dr. Singh's death is a significant loss to the nation and the world. His contributions to India's economic reforms and his role in strengthening Indo-US relations will be remembered for generations to come. His life serves as a lesson for future generations on how someone can rise above deprivation and struggles to attain the heights of success. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide the nation in the years to come. His life and work will continue to inspire future generations, and his legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him and those who will learn of his contributions in the years to come.