The nation gathered in Delhi to mourn the passing of Manmohan Singh, the esteemed former prime minister recognized for steering India's economic liberalization from 2004 to 2014. At the age of 92, Singh's death has prompted widespread tributes from politicians and world leaders alike, marking a significant loss for the country.
Manmohan Singh: India Bids Farewell to a Visionary Leader with State Funeral

Manmohan Singh: India Bids Farewell to a Visionary Leader with State Funeral
India commemorates the legacy of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with full state honors in a heartfelt funeral ceremony.
Following his death on Thursday, Singh was honored with a state funeral in the nation’s capital. The ceremony saw the participation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who lauded Singh as among the "most distinguished leaders" in Indian history during a heartfelt tribute. The procession through Delhi was filled with mourners who lined the streets to pay their last respects.
Singh's coffin, adorned with flowers and the national flag, was accompanied by an honor guard to the cremation grounds, where his eldest daughter lit the funeral pyre. Among those in attendance were President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and representatives from Singh's Congress Party. Dignitaries from abroad, including the King of Bhutan and the Foreign Minister of Mauritius, also joined the final farewell.
Prime Minister Modi praised Singh's "wisdom and humility" in leadership, while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his personal loss, remembering Singh as a mentor. Foreign leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, recognized Singh's pivotal role in shaping U.S.-India relations, citing his "strategic vision" and contributions towards a cooperative partnership.
Singh is celebrated for his transformative impact on the Indian economy, famously stating, "No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come" during his first budget speech. His policies catalyzed India’s growth, advancing the nation into a position of economic prominence globally.
However, Singh's later terms were shadowed by corruption scandals, affecting the reputation of the Congress Party and contributing to their defeat in the 2014 general elections. His legacy endures in the economic reforms he pioneered, which lifted millions from poverty and shaped India's journey as a leading economy. As the nation reflects on his life and services, Singh’s contributions to India will continue to be remembered.
Singh's coffin, adorned with flowers and the national flag, was accompanied by an honor guard to the cremation grounds, where his eldest daughter lit the funeral pyre. Among those in attendance were President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and representatives from Singh's Congress Party. Dignitaries from abroad, including the King of Bhutan and the Foreign Minister of Mauritius, also joined the final farewell.
Prime Minister Modi praised Singh's "wisdom and humility" in leadership, while opposition leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his personal loss, remembering Singh as a mentor. Foreign leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, recognized Singh's pivotal role in shaping U.S.-India relations, citing his "strategic vision" and contributions towards a cooperative partnership.
Singh is celebrated for his transformative impact on the Indian economy, famously stating, "No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come" during his first budget speech. His policies catalyzed India’s growth, advancing the nation into a position of economic prominence globally.
However, Singh's later terms were shadowed by corruption scandals, affecting the reputation of the Congress Party and contributing to their defeat in the 2014 general elections. His legacy endures in the economic reforms he pioneered, which lifted millions from poverty and shaped India's journey as a leading economy. As the nation reflects on his life and services, Singh’s contributions to India will continue to be remembered.