Barack Obama Pays Tribute to Manmohan Singh: Architect of India’s Economic Reforms

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 28th Dec. India is in mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. Widely regarded as a figure of unparalleled decency and intellect, Singh’s contributions to India’s political and economic history are celebrated both in India and across the globe.

Tributes have poured in from various corners of the world, underscoring the profound impact he had on governance, diplomacy, and economic reform. Singh’s reputation transcended national borders, with former US President Barack Obama highlighting his achievements in his memoir A Promised Land. Obama lauded Singh as the “main architect of modernizing India’s economy,” noting his efforts in lifting millions of Indians out of poverty and elevating India’s global standing.

Reflecting on their interactions, Obama wrote, “When the Prime Minister of India speaks, the whole world listens.” The two leaders met during the 2010 G-20 Summit in Toronto, where Singh’s influence in global diplomacy became evident. Obama praised Singh’s humility and integrity, describing him as a technocrat from a small Sikh community who overcame tremendous challenges to reach the highest office in India. Singh’s leadership style, characterized by thoughtfulness and honesty, earned him immense trust both in India and internationally.

Obama further remarked, “He was not a leader of many words, but his actions provided a high standard of living for his people.” Singh’s governance, focused on transparency, economic stability, and diligent foreign policy, positioned him as a revered statesman. His ability to navigate India’s complex bureaucracy while maintaining integrity is remembered as a hallmark of his career.

Obama shared a personal anecdote from his visit to New Delhi, where Singh hosted a dinner in his honor. Despite the formal occasion, Singh’s concerns for the Indian economy were evident, reflecting his unwavering dedication to the nation. Their warm relationship emphasized the mutual respect shared between the two leaders.

Manmohan Singh’s legacy is closely tied to India’s economic renaissance. As the country’s 13th Prime Minister, Singh spearheaded pivotal reforms in the 1990s that liberalized India’s economy and integrated it into the global marketplace. His leadership during the 1991 economic crisis, which set India on the path to modernization, remains one of the most significant turning points in India’s economic history.

Singh’s death marks a great loss to Indian politics, but his contributions will continue to inspire future generations. Through his groundbreaking economic policies and dignified diplomacy, Singh’s life stands as a testament to the enduring power of humility, vision, and integrity in leadership.