New Delhi: Former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92, is being hailed by the media worldwide for his contributions to India’s economy and global standing.
His death on Thursday night has brought an outpouring of tributes from leaders and citizens across the world, reflecting on his legacy as a transformative figure in Indian politics and the global economic landscape.
What global media outlets said about Manmohan Singh?
Global media outlets including The New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC, Reuters, The Express Tribune and The Daily Star have praised Singh’s role as a global statesman. Singh was widely respected by world leaders, with many acknowledging his diplomatic skills and his emphasis on peaceful foreign relations. Under his leadership, India enjoyed stronger ties with the US, European Union, and neighboring countries.
The Washington Post described him as a “reluctant king,” noting how his ascension to power was driven more by circumstance than ambition, yet his leadership reshaped India’s trajectory.
Reuters referred to Singh as one of India’s most successful leaders, crediting him with steering the country to unprecedented economic growth and lifting millions out of poverty.
The BBC highlighted Singh as the architect of key liberalizing economic reforms, noting his significant role in transforming India’s economy during his tenure as finance minister and as prime minister.
The New York Times noted that Singh was instrumental in turning India into a global powerhouse, calling him a “dynamic change” leader who steered India through a period of monumental growth.
The Daily Star of Bangladesh also acknowledged Singh’s pivotal role in reshaping India’s global image through his economic reforms, calling him a leader who “spurred India’s economic boom.”
In Pakistan, The Express Tribune focused on Singh’s contributions as an economist and his impact on India’s growth, particularly his role in opening up India to global markets. The tributes from these global outlets underline Singh’s stature as a respected leader who not only transformed India’s economy but also played a key role in shaping its position on the global stage.
Manmohan Singh, an architect of economic reforms
Singh’s legacy as a leader is most closely tied to his role in spearheading India’s economic reforms. Born into a poor family in what is now Pakistan, he rose from humble beginnings to become one of the world’s leading economists, according to Reuters.
He served as India’s Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, a tenure during which he was credited with overseeing sweeping economic liberalization. His policies, which included deregulation, opening up markets and attracting foreign investment, were pivotal in saving India from a severe financial crisis. These reforms set the stage for India’s rapid economic growth, lifting millions out of poverty and making India a global economic powerhouse.
Manmohan Singh’s rise to the position of Prime Minister in 2004 was unexpected. He was appointed by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, who, despite leading the party to a victory, refrained from assuming the role herself due to concerns about potential backlash related to her Italian heritage.
Singh led the country through a period of unprecedented growth, marked by social welfare schemes, such as employment programs for the rural poor, and a landmark nuclear agreement with the United States in 2008. This deal marked the first time in over three decades that the US agreed to trade nuclear technology with India, helping to strengthen relations between the two countries.
