An eminent economist, Manmohan Singh served as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from 1982 to 1985
Friday marked the first death anniversary of world-renowned economist, scholar and former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away in Delhi on December 26, 2024, at the age of 92 due to age-related ailments.
Tributes poured in from political leaders across parties to remember Singh’s lifelong contributions to the nation. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid homage on X, describing him as a former Prime Minister and Padma Vibhushan awardee who made “invaluable contributions to the nation’s development” during his tenures as Finance Minister and Prime Minister.
पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री, ‘पद्म विभूषण’ डॉ. मनमोहन सिंह जी की पुण्यतिथि पर उन्हें विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि।
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) December 26, 2025
The Congress also paid tribute to Singh, recalling his role in strengthening India’s economy and democracy. “On the death anniversary of Dr Manmohan Singh, we remember a statesman of integrity, humility and vision. His leadership strengthened India’s economy and democracy. Tributes to the Prime Minister who served the nation selflessly and with determination,” the party posted on X.
On the death anniversary of Dr. Manmohan Singh, we remember a statesman of integrity, humility, and vision.
His leadership strengthened India’s economy and democracy.
Tributes to the Prime Minister who served the nation selflessly and with determination. pic.twitter.com/V9X9ChypjA
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 26, 2025
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar remembered Singh as a leader who balanced reform with compassion and responsibility. In a post on X, Shivakumar said Singh steered India out of an economic crisis, championed transparency through the Right to Information Act and upheld the dignity of labour through MGNREGA. “India remembers him as a leader who placed the nation and its institutions above politics,” he said.
Paying tribute to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on his death anniversary. From steering India out of an economic crisis to leading the country for a decade as Prime Minister, his impact was profound. He championed transparency through the RTI Act and upheld the dignity… pic.twitter.com/KOzCibQKLj
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) December 26, 2025
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar also paid tribute, calling Singh a statesman whose life was defined by “intellect, integrity and unwavering service to the nation”.
On the first death anniversary of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji, we remember a statesman whose life was defined by intellect, integrity, and unwavering service to the nation. pic.twitter.com/QZ26vR4oQ8
— Ajit Pawar (@AjitPawarSpeaks) December 26, 2025
Dr Singh was cremated with full state honours at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi’s Kashmere Gate on December 28, 2024, in the presence of his family, colleagues and senior government dignitaries.
An eminent economist, Singh served as Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) from 1982 to 1985 and as Union Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996, when he spearheaded landmark economic reforms that earned global recognition. He went on to serve as India’s 13th Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014.
His tenure as Prime Minister saw the introduction of major welfare and transparency initiatives, including the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (later renamed MGNREGA) and the Right to Information Act in 2005, which reshaped governance and public accountability.
After completing two terms in office, Singh retired from public life. He was succeeded by Narendra Modi in 2014 after the Congress-led UPA lost the general elections.