Syed Akbaruddin Remembers Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

Hyderabad, India - Former Indian envoy Syed Akbaruddin expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, describing it as a "sad day" for India. Akbaruddin, who served as India's Permanent Representative to the UN, praised Singh as a key architect of modern India, highlighting his role in economic reforms and the India-US nuclear accord.

Manmohan Singh's Contributions

Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92, was instrumental in opening up India's economy and initiating reforms. As Finance Minister, he introduced the 1991 economic liberalization reforms, which significantly boosted India's economic growth. Akbaruddin noted Singh's efforts in steering the India-US nuclear deal, which expanded India's trade and technological capabilities.

Personal Reflections

Akbaruddin shared his experiences working with Singh, describing him as a kind and intellectually sharp leader. He recalled Singh's unique approach to meetings during foreign visits, where he would challenge his team to justify the importance of their discussions.

Legacy and Impact

Singh's legacy includes the initiation of the UIDAI and Aadhaar card, laying the foundation for Digital India. Akbaruddin emphasized Singh's understanding of technology's importance and his role in liberating India from high-tech restrictions through the nuclear deal.

Singh's tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014 marked a period of stable leadership, following his service as Finance Minister and Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. His contributions to India's economic and technological advancements continue to benefit the nation.