Prime Minister Narendra Modi said former PM Manmohan Singh will be known as the architect of India’s economic reforms and for having guided the country and the Reserve Bank through “challenging times.” 

In a video address, India’s incumbent PM called Singh, his immediate predecessor, as someone who “voiced concerns for the poor and downtrodden” while remaining “committed to economic liberalisation”. 

Modi mentioned Manmohan Singh’s journey, his humble beginnings and how he rose to occupy the highest chair as the country’s PM. 

“He (Singh) was seen as pro-economic reforms and guided India through several challenges. He even took reins of the Reserve Bank during tough times; and as Finance Minister brought about economic reforms,” Modi said. 

Even as a Parliamentarian, Singh was an inspiration – attending House proceedings in a wheelchair. 

Modi recalled that Singh was above party politics and was “accessible and available to all.” The PM recalled how, during his days as Gujarat CM, Singh—then the PM—would meet and interact with him over national and international affairs and issues.