The Associated Press and others reported that former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (pictured), considered the ‘architect of India’s economic reform’, passed away from old age at a hospital in New Delhi on the 26th (local time). Age 92.
He was in power from May 2004 to May 2014. He, a Sikh, is the first non-Hindu prime minister since India’s independence in 1947. During official appearances, he always wore a turban, the traditional attire of Sikhs, on his head. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who advocates Hindu extreme rightism, also paid tribute to the deceased, calling ‘X’ “one of the most respected leaders.” Sikhs make up only about 2% of India’s population of 1.4 billion.
Born in the northwestern province of Punjab in 1932, former Prime Minister Singh majored in economics at Cambridge University and also received a doctorate in economics from Oxford University. After returning to Korea, he worked as a professor at the University of Punjab, and in 1991, when India was on the brink of national bankruptcy, he became finance minister and actively promoted tax cuts, privatization of public enterprises, and deregulation.
He continued this policy even after becoming prime minister in 2004. According to the British Financial Times (FT) and others, during his administration, India recorded a high annual economic growth rate of 7%. It was praised for transforming India from a socialist economic system into a market economic system.
A nuclear cooperation agreement was also signed with the United States in 2006. The gist of it is to receive nuclear technology and fuel from the United States in return for allowing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect Indian nuclear facilities. After this agreement, the close relationship between the United States and India strengthened.
He was also called a “gentleman politician” for his gentle and humble personality. However, he was criticized for his indecisive decision-making and involvement in a corruption scandal in the latter half of his term.
Reporter Hong Jeong-su hong@donga.com
Source: www.donga.com