A mild-mannered technocrat, Manmohan Singh became one of India's longest-serving prime ministers. He was chosen to fill the role by Sonia Gandhi, the widow of assassinated Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

India mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders, Dr. Manmohan Singh Ji. Rising from humble origins, he rose to become a respected economist. He served in various government positions as well, including as Finance Minister, leaving a strong imprint on our economic… pic.twitter.com/clW00Yv6oP

Authorities in India have declared a seven-day mourning period to honor Manmohan Singh as politicians and public paid tributes to the country’s former prime minister widely regarded as the architect of India’s economic reform program.