Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid heartfelt tribute to former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao on his birth anniversary, acknowledging his pivotal role in steering India through a critical phase of economic transition. In a post on X, PM Modi described Rao as a statesman of remarkable intellect and vision, noting that the nation remains deeply grateful for his effective leadership.

“India is grateful to P.V. Narasimha Rao Garu for his effective leadership during a crucial phase of our development trajectory. His intellect, wisdom, and scholarly nature continue to inspire generations,” Modi wrote.

Rao, who served as Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996, is widely credited with laying the foundation of modern India’s liberalized economy. At a time when the country was on the brink of a balance of payments crisis, Rao initiated bold structural reforms that dismantled the License Raj and opened up the Indian economy to global markets. Under his leadership, India embraced economic liberalization, which led to sustained growth and set the stage for the economic dynamism that followed.

A polyglot, scholar, and astute administrator, Rao’s legacy has gained increasing recognition over the years. In a fitting tribute to his enduring contribution, the Modi government posthumously conferred upon him the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 2024.

Rao’s tenure remains a turning point in India's economic history. His decisions—seen as politically risky at the time—ushered in a wave of policy reforms that redefined India's development model. As India continues to build on that foundation, Rao’s vision and courage stand as guiding lights.

His birth anniversary serves as a reminder of the transformational power of leadership rooted in intellect, pragmatism, and a deep commitment to national progress.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday paid heartfelt tribute to former Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao on his birth anniversary, acknowledging his pivotal role in steering India through a critical phase of economic transition. In a post on X, PM Modi described Rao as a statesman of remarkable intellect and vision, noting that the nation remains deeply grateful for his effective leadership.

“India is grateful to P.V. Narasimha Rao Garu for his effective leadership during a crucial phase of our development trajectory. His intellect, wisdom, and scholarly nature continue to inspire generations,” Modi wrote.

Rao, who served as Prime Minister from 1991 to 1996, is widely credited with laying the foundation of modern India’s liberalized economy. At a time when the country was on the brink of a balance of payments crisis, Rao initiated bold structural reforms that dismantled the License Raj and opened up the Indian economy to global markets. Under his leadership, India embraced economic liberalization, which led to sustained growth and set the stage for the economic dynamism that followed.

A polyglot, scholar, and astute administrator, Rao’s legacy has gained increasing recognition over the years. In a fitting tribute to his enduring contribution, the Modi government posthumously conferred upon him the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 2024.

Rao’s tenure remains a turning point in India's economic history. His decisions—seen as politically risky at the time—ushered in a wave of policy reforms that redefined India's development model. As India continues to build on that foundation, Rao’s vision and courage stand as guiding lights.

His birth anniversary serves as a reminder of the transformational power of leadership rooted in intellect, pragmatism, and a deep commitment to national progress.