Breaking: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh admitted to AIIMS Delhi

File pic

Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was admitted to All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, on Thursday evening after his health deteriorated, sources said.

Ninety-two-year-old Singh was brought to the emergency department of the hospital, they said, adding that his condition is critical, news agency PTI reported.

The reason for his hospitalisation was not immediately known.

More details are awaited.

Singh, one of India's most renowned and prominent politicians, was born in 1932. He is largely recognised as the architect of India's economic reform and development. He was India's 13th Prime Minister and served from 2004 to 2014. During his regime, he implemented a number of economic measures that helped transform the country into one of the world's fastest-growing economies.

His most significant contribution to India was the economic changes he pushed in 1991 as Finance Minister in PV Narasimha Rao's cabinet. At the time, India was experiencing a serious economic crisis, with foreign reserves decreasing, inflation surging, and the country on the verge of defaulting on its loans.

In reaction to the crisis, Singh implemented a number of radical economic changes that liberalised the Indian economy. His programs aimed to dismantle the Licence Raj, reduce government control over businesses, promote foreign investment, and spur private sector growth. These reforms signalled the start of India's transition from a closed, socialist economy to an open, market-based one.

Some of the key steps he took included:

- De-licensing of industries: Ending the system where businesses needed government approval for most operations, fostering entrepreneurship and competition.

- Trade liberalisation: India's markets were opened to international trade and investment by lowering tariffs and encouraging exports.

- Financial reforms: Strengthening the banking sector, reducing public debt, and making the economy more resilient.

Manmohan Singh became India's Prime Minister in 2004, when he led the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition administration. His tenure as Prime Minister is remembered for the stability and economic progress it brought to the nation. Under his leadership, India's GDP increased at an annual rate of approximately 7-8%, pulling millions of people out of poverty.

(With PTI inputs)