Dr. Manmohan Singh Reflects on Tenure: His Best Moment and Biggest Regret as Prime Minister

New Delhi: India’s former prime minister and renowned architect of the country’s economic reforms, Dr. Manmohan Singh, died on Thursday, December 26, at the age of 92. His death has left a void in the nation’s political and economic landscape as tributes pour in from across the globe. The Union government has declared a seven-day mourning period and canceled all scheduled government events on Friday to honor his legacy.

As India celebrates the life and legacy of this great statesman, it brings back to memory one incident in his final press conference as prime minister on January 3, 2014. This time, while speaking on this interaction, Dr. Singh had expressed his frank views on what he would regard as the most outstanding achievement in his decade-long tenure in office and also what is his biggest regret.

The ‘Best Moment’: Civil Nuclear Deal with the US

When asked about the highlight of his tenure, Dr. Manmohan Singh pointed to the historic civil nuclear deal struck with the United States. He described it as a breakthrough that ended India’s “nuclear apartheid” and opened doors for the nation’s social, economic, and technological advancement.

“The best moment for me was when we could come to a nuclear agreement with the United States to end this nuclear apartheid that had somehow strangled the processes of social and economic change in many ways, and even the technical progress of our country,” Dr. Singh noted.

The agreement, which was approved by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in August 2008, had a safeguards pact to ensure that nuclear technology would be used peacefully. Subsequently, the United States secured a waiver from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), which allowed India to engage in civilian nuclear trade-a significant milestone for the country.

This deal not only bolstered the energy security of India but was also an affirmation of growing strategic cooperation between India and the United States. This agreement became a diplomatic triumph that sealed India’s global position.

The ‘Biggest Regret’: Healthcare Goals Not Achieved

Reflecting on his regrets, Dr. Manmohan Singh mentioned feeling disappointed that he was not able to do as much for healthcare. He admitted that NRHM launched in 2005, even though a huge success is still not a little matter left to be done.

“The impact of the NRHM was impressive, especially in the aspect of providing better healthcare to the rural population, women, and children. However, I wish we could have done more in strengthening health, especially among vulnerable groups,” he said, pointing to the importance of continued efforts in this area.

The NRHM, towards increasing access to health care to rural areas, helped decline infant and maternal mortality, as well as immunization coverage was increased. All these resulted in only a partial attainment of Dr. Singh’s vision for an effective health care system.

Dr. Manmohan Singh Handling Criticism over Corruption

During the same press conference, Dr. Singh also spoke about allegations of corruption during his tenure. The critics had often accused his government of failing to tackle corruption effectively in the context of coalition politics.

“I honestly believe history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media or, for that matter, the Opposition parties in Parliament,” Dr. Singh remarked. He emphasized that the constraints of coalition governance often necessitated difficult compromises, but he had always acted in the nation’s best interest.

“I cannot reveal everything that happens in the cabinet system of government. Considering the situation and compulsions of a coalition polity, I have done the best that one can do under the situation,” he added.

A Legacy of Economic Reforms and Integrity

While prime minister, from 2004 to 2014, Dr. Manmohan Singh led a range of significant economic and social programs initiated under his leadership, such as MGNREGA. Some of the most vital changes in education and health happened at the hands of him. Nonetheless, his contributions to shaping Indian economics policies can be traced back to the beginning of the 1990s when he, being finance minister, initiated Liberalization, Privatization, and Globalization or LPG reforms that revamped Indian economics.

Apart from his economic success, Dr. Manmohan Singh was also known for his personal integrity and commitment to public service. Humble and soft-spoken, he earned respect from both the domestic and international communities as a leader who put the nation’s welfare above all else.

Tributes Pour In

After his death, leaders from across the globe have paid tribute to him for his service in world diplomacy and in India’s development. Former US President Barack Obama described him as “a wise and thoughtful leader who was instrumental in fostering a strong US-India partnership.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called him “a champion of peace and development whose contributions will be remembered for generations.”

Political leaders within India from both sides of the aisle have paid tributes to Dr. Singh. “He was a visionary economist and an exceptional statesman who served India with dedication and humility,” tweeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi while hailing him.

Looking Ahead

As the nation mourns the loss of one of its most respected leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s reflections on his tenure serve as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs that define public service. His achievements, coupled with his acknowledgment of unfulfilled aspirations, underscore the complexities of governance in a diverse and dynamic democracy like India.

Dr. Singh will be an inspiration to successive generations, not only as an economic wizard but also as someone who held the ideals of integrity, humility, and service to the nation most dear.