Mudassir Rizwan
On December 26, India lost one of its most revered and distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away at the age of 92. Serving as India’s Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, Singh’s tenure left a lasting imprint on the country’s economic, political, and diplomatic landscape. While his contributions to India’s economic liberalization and growth are widely acknowledged, it is his statesmanship, particularly in managing India’s relations with its neighbors, that stands out as a defining aspect of his legacy.
Dr. Singh’s roots trace back to a small village, Gah, near Chakwal in present-day Pakistan, where he was born in 1932. Despite repeated invitations from the Pakistani government to visit his ancestral home, Singh never made the journey, citing the painful memories of Partition. However, his ties to Pakistan and his role in fostering relations between the two nations during his tenure as Prime Minister cannot be overlooked.
Economic Architect of Modern India
Dr. Manmohan Singh was an architect of India’s economic transformation. In the early 1990s, as the country faced a severe financial crisis, Singh, then serving as the Finance Minister under Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, played a pivotal role in steering India toward economic liberalization. Under his leadership, the country took bold steps toward opening up its economy, liberalizing trade, and attracting foreign investment. His vision of an India integrated into the global economy helped lift the country out of its financial woes and set it on a path to sustained growth.
During his tenure as Prime Minister, Singh presided over a period of rapid economic expansion, with the country experiencing an average growth rate of 9.0 percent. India’s economic stature grew on the global stage, with Singh’s leadership earning the country much-needed international clout. Among his many achievements, the landmark nuclear deal with the United States, which he brokered in 2008, stands out. The deal, designed to meet India’s growing energy needs, was a bold move that underscored Singh’s pragmatic approach to foreign policy.
Dr. Singh and Indo-Pak Relations
One of the most critical aspects of Dr. Singh’s tenure was his approach to India-Pakistan relations. Under his leadership, despite the many challenges, there was a concerted effort to improve ties with Pakistan. The period saw moments of optimism, such as the resumption of cricket diplomacy and initiatives to encourage people-to-people contact. Singh’s efforts helped thaw relations between the two countries, which had long been fraught with tension.
A key moment during Singh’s time as Prime Minister was the proposal put forward by General Pervez Musharraf, the then Pakistani President, to resolve the Kashmir issue through a four-point formula. Unfortunately, while the Indian government under Singh was open to talks, progress was hampered by delays from the Indian side and changing political dynamics in Pakistan. This opportunity for peace was never fully realized, leaving many to wonder about what might have been had the moment been seized.
In 2008, the Mumbai attacks cast a long shadow over Indo-Pakistan relations. Despite the gravity of the situation, Dr. Singh demonstrated remarkable restraint. India, under Singh’s leadership, did not rush to declare war on Pakistan, opting instead for a diplomatic approach to address cross-border terrorism. This decision, while widely praised by many international observers, came with significant domestic criticism, as many felt that Singh’s preference for diplomacy lacked the toughness required to handle the security threat.
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A Statesman Who Resisted Jingoism
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s ability to avoid escalating tensions with Pakistan and his preference for diplomacy over military confrontation were hallmarks of his leadership. His approach was in stark contrast to the hawkish stance adopted by Narendra Modi, who succeeded Singh as Prime Minister. While Singh’s policies aimed at de-escalation and peace-building, Modi’s tenure has been marked by increasing hostility toward Pakistan and rising tensions in the region. Critics argue that Modi’s approach, characterized by his jingoistic rhetoric, has undermined the potential for peace that Singh had carefully nurtured.
The 2014 election, which brought Modi to power, marked a turning point in Indo-Pak relations. Under Modi, India’s foreign policy shifted towards a more aggressive posture, with the government taking a harder line against Pakistan. The relationship between the two countries, once cautiously managed by Singh, has since deteriorated, with diplomatic channels becoming increasingly strained. Modi’s handling of the Kashmir issue, including the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, and his government’s treatment of the Muslim minority in India, have only served to deepen the rift between the two nations.
The Contrast: Modi vs. Singh
Dr. Singh’s tenure, though not without its challenges, was marked by a calm and measured approach to foreign policy, especially with Pakistan. His quiet diplomacy was often misinterpreted as weakness by some of his critics, both in India and abroad. Yet, Singh’s true strength lay in his belief that war should never be the first option. Unlike Modi, whose administration has embraced a confrontational approach, Singh consistently pursued peace, recognizing the long-term benefits of stability in South Asia.
Singh’s moderation and resistance to populist nationalism were perhaps one of the reasons why his tenure saw both high praise and sharp criticism. He was often seen as a technocrat with limited political charisma, a man who lacked the forceful rhetoric of his contemporaries. Yet, it was this very quality that allowed him to navigate the complexities of India’s domestic and international relations with grace. He worked tirelessly to elevate India’s global standing, secure economic growth, and foster dialogue with neighboring countries, all while resisting the temptation to engage in the divisive rhetoric that has come to dominate the current political discourse under Modi.
Legacy and What Could Have Been
As Dr. Manmohan Singh is remembered after his passing, many reflect on what might have been if he had remained in power during some of the more turbulent times of recent years. Critics often argue that Singh’s resignation from active politics and his replacement by Modi marked the beginning of a shift in India’s approach to its neighbors, particularly Pakistan. While Singh may not have been the ideal solution to every problem, his emphasis on diplomacy, economic stability, and peace-building made him a rare leader who prioritized the greater good over short-term political gains.
Looking back, it is clear that Singh’s approach to Indo-Pak relations was grounded in realism, pragmatism, and an unwavering commitment to peace. In contrast, the current atmosphere of hostility and confrontation raises questions about the future of South Asian stability.
Dr. Manmohan Singh’s passing is not only the loss of a leader but also the loss of a more peaceful era in South Asian politics. His legacy will live on as a reminder of what was possible when diplomacy took precedence over divisiveness. While Modi’s government has undeniably altered the course of India’s foreign policy, one can only hope that the wisdom of leaders like Singh is remembered and that a more diplomatic approach will return to the fore.
