NEW DELHI — The former Prime Minister of India, Manmohan Singh, known for his significant contributions to the nation’s economic reform initiatives, was cremated following a state funeral on Saturday. His passing has triggered an outpouring of grief from both political leaders and the general populace.
Singh, who played a crucial role in establishing a landmark nuclear agreement with the United States, passed away late Thursday at the age of 92. On Saturday morning, his remains were brought to the Congress party headquarters in New Delhi, where party officials and supporters offered their respects, chanting “Manmohan Singh lives forever.”
Abhishek Bishnoi, a leader within the Congress party, emphasized the profound loss Singh’s death represents to the nation, stating, “He was a man of few words, but his skill and actions spoke volumes.”
Following his tribute in New Delhi, Singh’s body was transported to a crematorium for his final farewell, accompanied by the rhythmic beating of drums by soldiers. Numerous government officials, politicians, and family members came to pay their respects. His casket was decorated with flowers and draped in the Indian flag, receiving a ceremonial gun salute from security personnel.
In attendance at the funeral ceremony were Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who referred to Singh as one of the “most distinguished leaders” in the country’s history, alongside several members of the Cabinet. As religious hymns filled the air, Singh was placed on a pyre and cremated.
The government has declared a period of mourning lasting seven days and has canceled all cultural and entertainment events. Furthermore, national flags at government buildings across India are being flown at half-staff in honor of Singh.
A technocrat with a gentle demeanor, Singh served as Prime Minister for a decade and led the Congress party in the Rajya Sabha, earning admiration for his high personal integrity. He was appointed Prime Minister in 2004 by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of Rajiv Gandhi, who was assassinated.
Although he was reelected in 2009, Singh’s second term was overshadowed by financial scandals and allegations of corruption related to the organization of the Commonwealth Games in 2010. These issues contributed to a devastating loss for the Congress party in the 2014 general elections, which were won by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party led by Narendra Modi.
After his tenure as Prime Minister, Singh maintained a relatively low profile. Serving as Finance Minister in 1991, he implemented reforms that pivoted India away from a socialist economy toward a capitalist framework, successfully navigating the country through a severe balance of payments crisis.
Singh made history as the first Sikh to hold the Prime Minister’s position and publicly expressed remorse in Parliament for the 1984 Sikh Massacre, which resulted in the deaths of around 3,000 Sikhs following the assassination of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards.
Among his notable achievements was signing a nuclear agreement with the United States, which marked a significant shift in India’s international standing and provided access to American nuclear technology. However, this deal strained relations within his coalition government, resulting in the withdrawal of support from Communist allies and escalating opposition within India upon its finalization in 2008.
U.S. President Joe Biden extended condolences, praising Singh as a dedicated public servant and true statesman whose efforts opened new avenues for cooperation that would benefit future generations. Biden remarked, “The remarkable level of collaboration between the United States and India today would not have been achievable without the Prime Minister’s strategic vision and political courage.”
