Manmohan Singh Quotes (27 quotes) | Quotes of famous people

Manmohan Singh: 27 quotes0 likes

Famous Manmohan Singh Quotes

“There is no doubt that our grievances against the British Empire had a sound basis for. As the painstaking statistical work of the Cambridge historian Angus Maddison has shown, India's share of world income collapsed from 22.6% in 1700, almost equal to Europe's share of 23.3% at that time, to as low as 3.8% in 1952. Indeed, at the beginning of the 20th Century, "the brightest jewel in the British Crown" was the poorest country in the world in terms of per capita income.”

Manmohan Singh

On the effect of British colonialism on India's economy, as quoted in "Address by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh at Oxford University" https://web.archive.org/web/20070213050232/http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/nic/0046/pmspeech.htm, The Hindu (8 July 2005) 2001-2005

“I don’t get angry, I don’t want to use harsh words. They are our colleagues and we have to work with them. But they also have to learn to work with us.”

Manmohan Singh

Responding to the opposition of Communist Party of India (Marxist) towards the India–United States Civil Nuclear Agreement, as quoted in "‘Anguished’ PM to Left: If you want to withdraw, so be it" http://www.telegraphindia.com/1070811/asp/frontpage/story_8179523.asp, The Telegraph (India) (11 August 2007) 2006-2010

“Sri Sathya Sai Baba as a preacher of the highest human values was an iconic figure for over five decades. He endeared himself to the people through various institutions, with headquarters at Prashanthi Nilayam, that promoted egalitarian values, education and public health.”

Manmohan Singh

In an eulogy to Sathya Sai Baba, as quoted in "Nation mourns Sai Baba's death, Manmohan Singh calls him iconic figure" http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-nation-mourns-sai-babas-death-manmohan-singh-calls-him-iconic-figure-1535718, DNA India (24 April 2011) 2011-present

“Japan is at the heart of India’s Look East Policy. It is also a key partner in our economic development and in our quest for a peaceful, stable and prosperous Asia and the world. Anchored in our shared values and interests, the partnership between a strong and economically resurgent Japan and a transforming and rapidly growing India can be an effective force of good for the region.”

Manmohan Singh

On Japan, as quoted in "Media Statements of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe at the press event held after the annual India-Japan summit level meeting" http://mea.gov.in/in-focus-article.htm?22782/Media+Statements+of+Prime+Minister+Dr+Manmohan+Singh+and+Prime+Minister+of+Japan+Shinzo+Abe+at+the+press+event+held+after+the+annual+IndiaJapan+summit+level+meeting, Ministry of External Affairs (25 January 2014) 2011-present

“We will have to devise innovative plans to ensure that minorities, particularly the Muslim minority, are empowered to share equitably the fruits of development. These must have the first claim on resources.”

Manmohan Singh

As quoted in "Muslims must have first claim on resources: PM" http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Muslims-must-have-first-claim-on-resources-PM/articleshow/754937.cms, The Times of India (9 December 2006) 2006-2010

“If our commitment to remain an open society is one of the pillars of our nationhood, the other is our commitment to remain an open economy. An economy that guarantees the freedom of enterprise, respects individual creativity, and at the same time mobilizes public investment for social infrastructure and the development of human capabilities. Indeed, it would be no exaggeration to suggest that these are the principles to which all countries will increasingly want to adhere. In relating to the world, we must never lose sight of this vital aspect of our Nationhood.”

Manmohan Singh

As quoted in "Speech by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh at India Today Conclave, New Delhi" http://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/2464/, Ministry of External Affairs (India) (25 February 2005) 2001-2005

Manmohan Singh Quotes about the world

“The explosion of financial innovation unaccompanied by credible systemic regulation has made the financial system vulnerable. The resulting crisis of confidence threatens global prosperity in the increasingly interdependent world in which we live. There is, therefore, a need for a new international initiative to bring structural reform in the world's financial system with more effective regulation and stronger systems of multilateral consultations and surveillance. This must be designed in as inclusive a manner as possible.”

Manmohan Singh

On the financial crisis of 2007–08, as quoted in "Full text of Manmohan Singh's speech at UN General Assembly" http://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/full-text-of-manmohan-singh-s-speech-at-un-general-assembly/article1-340789.aspx, Hindustan Times (27 September 2008) 2006-2010

“He has been doing a wonderful job in guiding India even prior to being the prime minister along the path of extraordinary economic growth. That is a marvel, I think, for all of the world.”

Manmohan Singh

Barack Obama, as quoted in "Manmohan Singh is a wise, wonderful man: Obama" http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2009-04-04/india/28002745_1_obama-climate-change-wonderful-man, The Times of India (4 April 2009)

“I want to write to the Guinness Book of World Records that Manmohan Singh is the only Prime Minister of India among the eleven Prime Ministers that the country had who has not won even a municipal election. What is he going to tell me? Manmohan Singh is a nominated Prime Minister. He is not a representative of the people of India.”

Manmohan Singh

Natwar Singh, former External Affairs Minister, "Manmohan hasn't even won an election: Natwar" http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Manmohan-hasnt-even-won-an-election-Natwar/articleshow/1878602.cms, The Times of India (9 August 2009)

Manmohan Singh Quotes about people

“I am delighted to hear the popularity of Odori Maharaja among young people here. Our children were delighted to see Odori Asimo - the dancing robot!”

Manmohan Singh

On the popularity of Rajnikanth in Japan, as quoted in "'Dancing Maharaja' Rajnikant is a rage in Japan" http://www.hindustantimes.com/nm20/dancing-maharaja-rajnikant-is-a-rage-in-japan/article1-185499.aspx, Hindustan Times (15 December 2006) 2006-2010

“Just as the Congress party did not plan the riots, but certain individuals belonging to the party have been accused of them, I have come to know that certain people belonging to the RSS were also named in some FIRs.”

Manmohan Singh

On the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, as quoted in "Manmohan says he was misquoted on RSS role in '84 riots" http://www.rediff.com/election/1999/sep/04man.htm, Rediff (4 September 1999) 1991-2000

“When we talk of a resurgent Asia, people think of the great changes that have come about in Shanghai. I share this aspiration to transform Mumbai in the next five years in such a manner that people would forget about Shanghai and Mumbai will become a talking point.”

Manmohan Singh

Comparing Mumbai and Shanghai, as quoted in "Mumbai struggles to catch up with Shanghai" http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/GC16Df02.html, Asia Times (16 March 2005) 2001-2005

Manmohan Singh Quotes

“The room for maneuver, to live on borrowed money or time, does not exist any more.”

Manmohan Singh

On the 1991 Indian economic crisis, as quoted in "Budget 1991-92 Speech of Shri Manmohan Singh Minister of Finance" http://indiabudget.nic.in/bspeech/bs199192.pdf, Government of India (24 July 1991) 1991-2000 Context: There is no time to lose. Neither the Government nor the economy can live beyond its means year after year. The room for maneuver, to live on borrowed money or time, does not exist any more. Any further postponement of macroeconomic adjustment, long overdue, would mean that the balance of payments situation, now exceedingly difficult, would become unmanageable and inflation, already high, would exceed limits of tolerance.

“I can say in all humility that I have not used my public office to enrich myself, enrich my family or to enrich my friends.”

Manmohan Singh

As quoted in "Manmohan speaks out: Never used public office to enrich self" http://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/manmohan-singh-speaks-out-never-used-public-office-for-own-benefits-bjp-harping-on-graft-to-divert-attention/article1-1351757.aspx, Hindustan Times (27 May 2015) 2011-present

“Dalits have faced a unique discrimination in our society that is fundamentally different from the problems of minority groups in general. The only parallel to the practice of untouchability was apartheid.”

Manmohan Singh

Comparing the caste system with apartheid, as quoted in "Indian leader likens caste system to apartheid regime" http://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/dec/28/india.mainsection, The Guardian (UK) (28 December 2006) 2006-2010

“We speak about cooperation but seem hesitant to commit ourselves to a global offensive to root out terrorism, with the pooling of resources, exchange of information, sharing of intelligence, and the unambiguous unity of purpose required. This must change. We do have a global coalition against terrorism. We must give it substance and credibility, avoiding selective approaches and political expediency.”

Manmohan Singh

On terrorism, as quoted in We will carry forward composite dialogue, says Manmohan http://www.thehindu.com/2004/09/24/stories/2004092405350100.htm, The Hindu (24 September 2004) 2001-2005

“I have to acknowledge that my successor has been a more adept salesman, event manager and communicator than me.”

Manmohan Singh

On Narendra Modi, as quoted in "'My Successor a Better Salesman': Manmohan Singh Takes on PM Modi on Economy" http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/manmohan-singh-takes-on-modi-governments-claims-on-economy-770040, NDTV (9 June 2015) 2011-present

“I honestly believe that history will be kinder to me than the contemporary media, or for that matter, the Opposition parties in Parliament.”

Manmohan Singh

On his legacy, as quoted in "History will be kinder to me than the media, says Manmohan" http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/interview/history-will-be-kinder-to-me-than-the-media-says-manmohan/article5535346.ece, The Hindu (4 January 2014) 2011-present

“Sikh extremism, separatism and militancy were a problem in India more than two decades ago. Today, Punjab is at peace and there is growth and prosperity. There are, however, some elements outside India, including in Canada, who try to keep this issue alive for their own purposes. In many cases, such elements have links to or are themselves wedded to terrorism.”

Manmohan Singh

On the Khalistan movement, as quoted in "Manmohan Singh asks Canada to curb Sikh militancy from its soil" http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-manmohan-singh-asks-canada-to-curb-sikh-militancy-from-its-soil-1401712, DNA India (25 June 2010) 2006-2010

“His vision was to industrialize India, to urbanize India, and in the process he hoped that we would create a new society -- more rational, more humane, less ridden by caste and religious sentiments. That was the grand vision that Nehru had.”

Manmohan Singh

On Jawaharlal Nehru, as quoted in "Commanding Heights: Manmohan Singh" http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/commandingheights/shared/minitextlo/int_manmohansingh.html, PBS (6 February 2001) 2001-2005

“I wish President Musharraf well, we want to work with him to bring greater balance in our own relations. But I have to be realistic enough to recognize the role that terrorist elements have played in the last few years in the history of Pakistan. Taliban was the creation of Pakistan extremists, the Wahabi Islam which has flourished, thousands and thousands of schools, the madrassas, were set up to preach this jihad based on hatred of other religions... and Pakistan is not a democracy in the sense that we know and you know.... We wish Pakistan success in emerging as a moderate Muslim state. We will work with President Musharraf... but we have to recognize what has happened.”

Manmohan Singh

On Pakistan, as quoted in "Interview: Indian Prime Minister Singh" http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/20/AR2005072001916.html, The Washington Post (20 July 2005) 2001-2005

“After the elections, Dr Singh did try to be more assertive, taking a view on who would be in his Cabinet and who would not, and resisting the induction of the DMK’s A. Raja and T. R. Baalu, for their unsavoury reputations. Watching from the sidelines, I had hoped he would not buckle under pressure. Dr Singh stood his ground for a day, managed to keep Baalu out, but had to yield ground on Raja under pressure from his own party. To me, it was a reiteration of the message that the victory was not his but the Family’s.”

Manmohan Singh

The Accidental Prime Minister (2014)

“Unlike the general perception, Singh is not really a bureaucrat. My personal experience is that he is politically shrewd.”

Manmohan Singh

I. G. Patel, 14th Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, as quoted "Manmohan is politically shrewd: Dr IG Patel" http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/manmohan-is-politically-shrewd-dr-ig-patel-104052001025_1.html, Business Standard (20 May 2004)

“My brother was always glued to his books, an ardent reader and an educationist.”

Manmohan Singh

Surjit Singh, his younger brother, as quoted in "Singh brothers see bright future for economy" http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2004-05-20/news/27389027_1_manmohan-singh-surjit-singh-big-brother, The Economic Times (20 May 2004)

“The only parallel to the practice of untouchability was apartheid.”

Manmohan Singh

On Dalits and untouchability, "Indian leader likens caste system to apartheid regime" http://www.theguardian.com/world/2006/dec/28/india.mainsection, The Guardian (UK) (28 December 2006) 2006-2010

“Dalits have faced a unique discrimination in our society that is fundamentally different from the problems of minority groups in general.”

Manmohan Singh

2006-2010

“I am an accidental prime minister.”

Manmohan Singh

Manmohan Singh
The Accidental Prime Minister (2014)