President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has expressed his condolences following the demise of former Indian Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. Dr Singh, who served two terms and played a pivotal role in liberalising India's economy during his tenure as finance minister, passed away at the age of 92.
Dr Singh, an economist-turned-politician who also served as the governor of the Central Bank of India, was ailing and admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi late on Thursday. His health deteriorated due to "sudden loss of consciousness at home," the hospital stated. He was "being treated for age-related medical conditions," the statement added.
In a post to social media, President Dr Muizzu extended condolences to the family of Dr Singh and the Indian people. "On behalf of Maldivian people and myself, I join the people of India in mourning the passing of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh," President Dr Muizzu said.
In his message, President Dr Muizzu also highlighted the visit by Dr Singh to the Maldives in 2011. "His historic visit to the Maldives in November 2011 marked a significant milestone in advancing our economic and social development," he stated. "Dr Singh’s commitment to progress, and his leadership to strengthen 'Look East Policy' played a pivotal role in fostering development and cooperation across the South Asia region," President Dr Muizzu added.
A mild-mannered technocrat, Dr Singh emerged as one of India's longest-serving prime ministers, leading the nation from 2004 to 2014. He was widely respected for his great personal integrity. After stepping down from his role as prime minister, Dr Singh maintained a low profile. He is survived by his wife and three daughters.
Born in 1932 into a poor family in what is now Pakistan, Dr Singh overcame significant hardships, studying by candlelight to secure a place at Cambridge University. He later attended Oxford, where he earned a doctorate with a thesis on the role of exports and free trade in India's economy. Dr Singh became a respected economist, served as the governor of the Central Bank of India, and worked as a government adviser. Unexpectedly, in 1991, he was appointed as finance minister, marking the start of his political career.
During his tenure from 1991 to 1996, Dr Singh was the architect of reforms that rescued India’s economy from a severe balance of payments crisis. He promoted deregulation and other measures that opened the previously insular country to the world. Dr Singh’s unexpected ascension to prime minister in 2004 further solidified his legacy.
During a period of unprecedented economic growth, Dr Singh’s government distributed the benefits of the country’s newfound wealth by introducing welfare schemes, including a jobs program for the rural poor.
In 2008, his administration secured a landmark agreement that allowed peaceful nuclear energy trade with the United States for the first time in three decades, paving the way for stronger relations between New Delhi and Washington. However, his efforts to further liberalise the Indian economy were often hindered by political infighting within his own party and the demands of coalition partners.