Last week, India bid farewell to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, an era-defining statesman who has left behind an indelible legacy that transformed not just India’s economy but also its technological landscape. As Chetan Krishnaswamy, Vice President of Public Policy at Amazon, reflected, “Sometimes, it’s the reticent ones who leave the deepest marks on history.”

Singh’s understated demeanour and quiet confidence were often overshadowed by his immense achievements, yet his work continues to shape modern India. Known as the architect of India’s economic liberalization, Singh’s impact extended beyond fiscal reforms, laying the foundation for some of the most groundbreaking technological advancements the country has seen. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi once remarked during Singh’s farewell in the Rajya Sabha, “Whenever our democracy will be mentioned, he will be one of those few esteemed members whose contribution will always be remembered.”

As the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, Singh steered the nation through a period of remarkable growth, bridging tradition with innovation. While much of the spotlight has been on his economic reforms, his contributions to India’s tech ecosystem deserve equal recognition. From fostering digital inclusion to advancing India’s space aspirations, Singh’s tenure was a testament to his vision for a technologically empowered India. As French President Emmanuel Macron remarked, “India has lost a great man, and France a true friend, in the person of Dr. Manmohan Singh,” while U.S. Ambassador Eric Garcetti highlighted Singh’s role in ushering “an historic chapter in U.S.-India relations” through technological advancements.

Driving Digital Inclusion with Aadhaar

In 2009, under Singh’s leadership, the Aadhaar project was launched—a transformative initiative to provide a unique identification number to every Indian resident. At the 55th National Development Council Meeting, he presented it as an instrument for reducing fiscal deficit and supporting the poor. “The operationalisation of the Unique Identification Number Scheme, together with developments in information technology, provides an opportunity to target subsidies effectively to those who really need them and deserve them.” 

This biometric-based digital identity system that has become central to India’s welfare delivery and financial inclusion efforts. As Dr. RS Sharma noted, “I think one of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s greatest contributions was initiating Aadhaar during his second tenure in 2009. Aadhaar is now central to India’s public delivery system and stands as one of the masterpieces of e-governance.”

Aadhaar facilitated financial inclusion for millions, enabling over 1.2 billion residents to access government services seamlessly. It revolutionized subsidy distribution by eliminating ghost beneficiaries and ensuring direct benefit transfers, saving the government billions of rupees annually. Today, it forms the backbone of several initiatives under the Digital India framework. “The foundation of Aadhaar was laid during Dr. Manmohan Singh’s tenure, with significant initial work in funding, team-building, and infrastructure—critical to its success,” said J. Satyanarayana, former UIDAI chairman.

The system also paved the way for innovations like the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which transformed digital transactions in India. By envisioning a system that would leverage technology to improve governance, Singh set the stage for a modern, connected India.

Revolutionizing Governance through Technology

In 2006, Dr. Singh’s administration launched the National e-Governance Plan (NeGP), a transformative initiative aimed at integrating technology into public administration across the country. The plan identified 27 mission mode projects (MMPs), later expanded to 31, targeting critical areas like land records, taxation, health, and education. Among the standout projects was the Passport Seva Project (PSP), which revolutionized the passport application process, making it efficient, user-friendly, and a benchmark for public service delivery.

“Initiatives like the PSP under the NeGP set new benchmarks in efficiency and accessibility, making government services more citizen-centric and inclusive,” said Golok Kumar Simli, Chief Technology Officer, Passport Seva Program.

Pioneering Renewable Energy with the National Solar Mission

The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), introduced in 2008, was another cornerstone of Singh’s forward-looking approach. Among its eight missions, the National Solar Mission stood out as a catalyst for India’s renewable energy revolution. By focusing on solar technology, Singh’s government not only addressed climate change but also positioned India as a leader in clean energy innovation.

This mission continues to inspire advancements in renewable technology, contributing to global sustainability goals. Under its framework, India has become one of the top three solar power producers globally, showcasing its significant role in combating climate change and promoting clean energy solutions.

Empowering India through Education and Innovation

Manmohan Singh once stated, “Investing in education is investing in the nation’s future.” Recognizing the importance of nurturing talent in technology and engineering, Singh’s administration established eight new Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) in key states across the country. These institutions not only expanded access to world-class technical education but also fostered innovation and research, bolstering India’s reputation as a global hub for STEM talent. Notably, Sundar Pichai, a graduate of IIT Kharagpur during this transformative era, has often credited his education in India as foundational to his journey in becoming the CEO of Google.

In parallel, Singh’s tenure oversaw one of India’s most iconic scientific achievements: the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013. With this mission, India became the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit and the first in the world to succeed on its maiden attempt. This monumental success underscored India’s growing capabilities in space technology and research, placing the nation among the global elite in aerospace innovation. Singh’s support for ISRO ensured that India’s scientific community had the resources and encouragement needed to achieve the extraordinary.

A Legacy of Vision and Progress

Manmohan Singh’s contributions to India’s technological journey were rooted in his belief that progress stems from empowerment—of individuals, communities, and nations. By championing initiatives that bridged digital divides, enhanced education, and expanded scientific horizons, Singh redefined what it meant to lead with vision and purpose.

As we honour his memory, we reflect on a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Dr. Manmohan Singh was not just a statesman; he was a pioneer who believed in the transformative power of technology to uplift society. In bidding farewell to this luminary, we also celebrate the enduring impact of his vision for a brighter, more innovative India.