In images — Manmohan Singh, India’s PM who held office twice without contesting an election

Veteran Congress leader Manmohan Singh, who turned 87 today, was India's prime minister from 2004 to 2014.

Manmohan Singh ties his shoe laces at Rajiv Gandhi's memorial Veer Bhumi. | Photo: Praveen Jain

New Delhi: Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister and renowned economist who ushered reforms in the 1990s, marked his 87th birthday Thursday.

Hailed as the brain behind India’s liberalisation, the loyal Congressman was wished by leaders from across the political spectrum including Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress leaders recalled his dedication and selfless service to nation building with party interim chief Sonia Gandhi praising his leadership. “His sagacious leadership ensured that India took a determined leap forward, even during trying times,” said Gandhi.

“He has served our country for several decades & continues to do so with his renowned intelligence, humility & dedication,” the Congress wrote on its Twitter handle.

On his birthday, ThePrint takes a look at his life, encompassing his journey as a finance minister to becoming the prime minister of India.

Singh was the finance minister under PM Narasimha Rao (second from right). The two initiated India’s economic liberalisation in 1991. S.B. Chavan (second from left) was also a finance minister in Rajiv Gandhi govt. Congress leaders Balram Jakhar and Arjun Singh flank the three on left and right respectively. | Photo: Praveen Jain

The finance minister at his residence just a day before the historic 1991 budget that liberalised the Indian economy. | Photo: Praveen Jain

Finance Minister Manmohan Singh in his North Block office after presenting the 1991 budget. | Photo: Praveen Jain

Singh was the leader of the Opposition in Rajya Sabha from 1998 to 2004. He is seen here with Chandra Shekhar (centre) who was the PM during 1990-91. The two are seen here with RJD leader Lalu Prasad Yadav (left) in Bihar Bhavan. | Photo: Praveen Jain

Singh addresses a press conference with Sitaram Kesri (right), who was the Congress president at the time. | Photo: Praveen Jain

Singh cuts a lonely figure at Indira Gandhi’s memorial Shakti Sthal. | Photo: Praveen Jain

Manmohan Singh was the quiet man in the Congress that no one particularly noticed. However, once the Narendra Modi-led BJP government came to power, he became the go-to voice that cut through the noise to criticise the NDA’s policies. | Photo: Praveen Jain

Manmohan served from 2004 to 2014 and remains the only Indian prime minister to hold office twice without having won an election. | Photo: Praveen Jain