It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, India’s 13th Prime Minister, who left us today, December 26, 2024. Born on September 26, 1932, Singh’s remarkable journey from a humble background to becoming one of the most respected economists and politicians in India is a testament to his dedication and vision for the nation.

A man of great intellect and integrity, Singh served as India’s Finance Minister under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao, where he played a pivotal role in the liberalization of India’s economy in 1991. This bold move is often credited as the architect of India’s “most significant economic reforms,” which transformed the nation into a rising global power.

During my own career, I had the honor of meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in October 2008 when I received a call from India’s Ambassador to the USA, Mr. Ranen Sen. Singh was in New York, attending the United Nations General Assembly, and he expressed a desire to discuss the crucial Indo-U.S. Nuclear Deal with me. This initiative was critical for India’s strategic partnership with the United States, and I was deeply honored to be asked to assist in its passage.

The bill had already passed the U.S. House of Representatives and was awaiting approval in the Senate. With the backing of President George W. Bush, who was ready to sign it into law, my colleagues and I visited Capitol Hill to advocate for the bill. I was fortunate to have the support of my good friend, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and we successfully garnered the necessary votes for the bill to pass the Senate. The day I witnessed the signing ceremony at the White House remains etched in my memory, especially when I received a copy of the signed bill from President Bush, with a note from Harry Reid thanking me for my contribution to this important issue.

Dr. Singh’s tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 was marked by significant achievements and an unwavering commitment to India’s growth. He was not only the first Sikh Prime Minister but also the first to be re-elected after completing a full five-year term since Jawaharlal Nehru. Singh’s leadership steadied India’s foreign policy, laying solid groundwork for subsequent leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Much of the current diplomatic and economic strategy can be traced back to the foundations he and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee established in the 1990s.

The last time I saw Prime Minister Singh was at a State Dinner hosted by President Obama in his honor, an event that underscored the respect and admiration he commanded globally. Dr. Singh’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of modern India, and much of what we see today is a direct result of his vision and policies.

As we reflect upon the life and contributions of Manmohan Singh, we recognize that he was not just a politician but an influential statesman who changed the course of India’s history. His passing marks the end of an era, and while we grieve, we must also celebrate the profound impact he has made on our nation. Thank you, Dr. Singh, for your service, your wisdom, and your unwavering dedication to India. May you rest in peace.