NEW DELHI (26 February 2026) — Former German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Thursday lauded the late former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the economic liberalisation he initiated, asserting that his reforms placed India on a sustained 30-year path of economic expansion. Delivering the inaugural Dr Manmohan Singh Memorial Lecture in the capital, Merkel highlighted India’s “tremendous potential” and noted its resilience as a leading global economy.+1
A Legacy of Economic Transformation
Merkel’s address focused on the long-term impact of the structural changes introduced during Singh’s tenure as Finance Minister in 1991 and subsequently as Prime Minister. According to report, the former Chancellor credited these policies with fundamentally altering India’s development story, allowing it to transition into a significant global player.
Key observations from Merkel’s lecture included:
- Sustained Momentum: The economic framework established over three decades ago has enabled India to maintain a growth rate exceeding 5 per cent in recent years, despite global headwinds.
- Demographic Advantage: As the world’s most populous nation, India’s human capital remains its most significant asset for future development.
- Global Integration: Merkel noted that the reforms helped integrate India into the global supply chain, a process that continues to yield benefits today.
Strategic Context and Potential
The lecture served as a high-profile tribute to Singh, who passed away in late 2024. Merkel emphasised that India’s current economic standing is a testament to the “visionary” nature of the 1991 reforms. She stated that India continues to possess an immense capacity for further economic development, provided it maintains its commitment to stability and open markets.
As noted in reports by The Economic Times and The Hindu, the event was attended by a host of dignitaries, including senior economists and political leaders. Merkel’s remarks arrive at a time when India is projected to grow between 6.8 and 7.2 per cent in the coming fiscal year, further validating the growth trajectory she described.+1
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Reforms by Manmohan Singh helped take India on 30-year economic growth: Angela Merkel” (26 February 2026)
- The Economic Times: “Angela Merkel delivers inaugural Manmohan Singh Memorial Lecture” (26 February 2026)
- The Hindu: “India’s growth path a result of 1991 reforms, says Merkel” (26 February 2026)
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