LIVE | India bids farewell to Manmohan Singh; Rahul Gandhi attacks Modi govt
Manmohan Singh's reforms transformed India, says former CEA Kaushik Basu
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, admired for his sharp intellect, innate modesty, and personal integrity — qualities rarely found in politics — will be remembered as one of the greatest political leaders not only in India but also globally, former World Bank chief economist Kaushik Basu said on Friday.
Singh, the architect of India's economic reforms, died here at the age of 92 late on Thursday. He served as prime minister for two terms from 2004 to 2014.
Basu, who was Chief Economic Adviser (CEA) to the government of India from 2009-12, further said Manmohan Singh's modesty came from a deep sense of courage and self-confidence.
"I have no doubt that he will go down in history as one of the great political leaders not just of India but of the world.
"He was a combination of sharp intellect, innate modesty and personal integrity, which is rare in politics," the former CEA told PTI.
Basu said that the reforms that Singh initiated in the early 1990s transformed India from a struggling developing nation to one of the world's fastest-growing economies.
"The talent and creativity that we see today spilling out from India to the United States and Europe, in the fields of corporate leadership, science, research and policymaking owe a lot to this transformation of the 90s," he said.
Working closely with Singh from 2009 to 2012, Basu said he saw an intellectual capaciousness that enabled him to grasp the big picture and simultaneously the minute details of policymaking.
" He (Singh) had little time for political intrigue. And that made all the difference for India," the former CEA said. PTI
Condolences pour in from world leaders on Manmohan Singh's death
Condolences have poured in from across the globe, including from the US, Canada and Sri Lanka following the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Leaders from neighbouring countries, including Nepal, Maldives and Afghanistan, expressed deep grief over Singh's passing, highlighting his contributions and warm relations with their nations.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called him "one of the greatest champions of the bilateral strategic partnership." “Dr Singh was one of the greatest champions of the US-India strategic partnership, and his work laid the foundation for much of what our countries have accomplished together in the past two decades,” US Secretary of State Tony Blinken said.
Offering sincere condolences to the people of India for the passing of Singh, Blinken said the leadership of the former prime minister in advancing the US-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signified a major investment in the potential of the US-India relationship.
“At home, Dr Singh will be remembered for his economic reforms that spurred India’s rapid economic growth. We mourn Dr Singh’s passing and will always remember his dedication to bringing the United States and India closer together,” Blinken said.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he was saddened to learn of the passing of his former colleague, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
“He was an individual of exceptional intelligence, integrity, and wisdom. Laureen and I wish to convey our condolences to all his family and friends,” he said.
Former Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' said in a post on X, "Deeply saddened by the demise of Dr Manmohan Singh, a visionary leader and an extraordinary statesman. My heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of India. His legacy will inspire generations." Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed wrote X that he found the former Prime Minister as a "benevolent father figure" and a good friend of Maldives.
"So sad to hear Manmohan Singh has passed. I always found him a delight to work with and like a benevolent father figure. He was a good friend of the Maldives," Nasheed said.
Former President of Sri Lanka Mahinda Rajapaksa called him a "visionary economist and the architect of India’s economic liberalisation." "Deeply saddened by the passing of former Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh. A visionary economist and the architect of India’s economic liberalization, his contributions shaped a new era for India. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the people of India." Former President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai in a post on X said that India has lost one of its most illustrious sons.
Calling him an "unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan", Karzai profoundly mourned Singh's passing and expressed his deepest condolences.
"India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. Dr_Manmohan_Singh was an unwavering ally and friend to the people of Afghanistan. I profoundly mourn his passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family, the government, and the people of India. May his soul find eternal peace," Karzai said.
Government sources said a seven-day national mourning will be observed and that Singh's last rites will be conducted with full state honours. PTI