Manmohan Singh

Manmohan Singh became the 13th Prime Minister of India, leading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) coalition. He was the first Sikh to hold the office and served two full terms until 2014.

During Singh's tenure, India experienced an average GDP growth rate of over 8% per year, lifting millions out of poverty. The growth was driven by economic reforms initiated in the 1990s and global demand.

Singh's government enacted NREGA, guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment per year to rural households. The program became one of India's largest social welfare schemes, reducing rural poverty but facing implementation challenges.

Singh's government finalized the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, ending India's nuclear isolation and allowing civilian nuclear trade. The deal faced political opposition but was passed after a confidence vote.

Singh's government was embroiled in the 2G spectrum allocation scandal, with allegations of underpricing leading to revenue loss. The Supreme Court later cancelled 122 licenses, and the scandal damaged the government's reputation.