The Wire Staff 
New Delhi: World leaders, politicians and political commentators have condoled the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on December 26 at the age of 92. Tributes reflecting on the leader’s legacy, foresight and humility have poured in from around the world.
Several of them noted Singh’s dignified demeanour and his intellectual prowess in their tributes, calling him an empathetic leader and a thorough gentleman.
Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP P. Chidambaram wrote on X, “The life and work of Dr Manmohan Singh and the period from 1991 till 2014 will be a golden chapter in the history of India.
I worked closely with him for many years. I have not met a person more humble and self-effacing than Dr Singh. He wore his scholarship lightly and never claimed credit for any of his historic achievements.
The story of India turned after Dr Singh became Finance Minister. And the present middle class of India was virtually the creation of his policies as Finance Minister and Prime Minister.
Throughout his tenure, he had great empathy for the poor. He did not hide the fact that many millions of India are poor and reminded us that government’s policies must lean in favour of the poor. Examples of his empathy are MGNREGA and the restructuring of PDS and the extension of the mid-day meal scheme
His story has not been told fully. His achievements have not been recorded fully. I am sure when we look back upon the 23 years that Dr Singh was in active politics, we will realize his true contribution.”
Illustration by Ashish Bagchi. Photo: X/@BagchiAsh
Shashi Tharoor, Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP, said that only 10 years after Singh said that history would be kinder to him than contemporary media, he was being proven right. “‘I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media, or for that matter, the Opposition parties in Parliament,’ Dr Manmohan Singh said in 2014. Just ten years later, he is already being proven right.”
Manmohan Singh’s contributions as the architect of India’s economic reforms have left an indelible mark, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said in a post on X.
“I am deeply saddened on the passing away of former prime minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, a visionary economist and former RBI Governor. His contributions as the architect of India’s economic reforms have left an indelible mark. RBI joins the nation in mourning this huge,” Malhotra said.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi said, “Few people in politics inspire the kind of respect that Sardar Manmohan Singh ji did. His honesty will always be an inspiration for us and he will forever stand tall among those who truly love this country as someone who remained steadfast in his commitment to serve the nation despite being subjected to unfair and deeply personal attacks by his opponents. He was genuinely egalitarian, wise, strong willed and courageous until the end.”
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah called Singh an intellectual giant. “Very sorry to hear about the demise of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh. I had many occasions to interact and learn from him. He was truly an intellectual giant, an accomplished economist but above all he was a thorough gentleman, a giant among pygmies,” he wrote.
Photo: X/@RahulGandhi
“His erudition and wisdom were unquestionable, and the depth of the financial reforms ushered in by him in the country are widely acknowledged. The country will miss his stewardship and I shall miss his affection. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and followers,” West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee said in a post on X.
“Manmohan Singh Ji led India with immense wisdom and integrity. His humility and deep understanding of economics inspired the nation. My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Kaur and the family. I have lost a mentor and guide. Millions of us who admired him will remember him with the utmost pride,” leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi said.
World leaders
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Singh would always be remembered for the economic reforms that contributed to India’s rapid growth.
”The United States offers our sincere condolences to the people of India for the passing of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. 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. His leadership in advancing the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement signified 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.
We mourn Dr Singh’s passing and will always remember his dedication to bringing the United States and India closer together,” he said.
Former Prime Minister of Canada Stephen Harper expressed his condolences on Singh’s death, calling him an individual of exceptional intelligence, integrity, and wisdom. “I am saddened to learn of the passing of my 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 wrote in a post on X.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai described Singh as “one of India’s most illustrious sons”.
“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,” he said.
Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed also expressed condolences, saying, “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.”