1.
Indira Gandhi (1917–1984)
Tenure: 1966–1977, 1980–1984
Birth: November 19, 1917
Birthplace: Allahabad (now Prayagraj), Uttar Pradesh
Parents: Jawaharlal Nehru (father), Kamala Nehru (mother)
Life Overview:
Indira Gandhi was the only child of Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister. She was
married to Feroze Gandhi and had two sons, Rajiv and Sanjay Gandhi. Raised in a politically
active family, she was involved in India's independence movement and became closely
associated with her father’s political career, eventually emerging as a significant leader
within the Congress Party. She became India’s first and, to date, the only female Prime
Minister.
Inland Contributions:
Green Revolution (1960s–1970s): Indira Gandhi’s government spearheaded the
Green Revolution, significantly improving India's food security by introducing
modern agricultural techniques, high-yielding seed varieties, and better irrigation
systems.
Nationalization of Banks (1969): She nationalized 14 major banks to extend banking
services to rural areas, boosting the agricultural economy and infrastructure
development.
Emergency (1975–1977): Perhaps the most controversial part of her tenure, she
imposed a state of Emergency that lasted for 21 months, suspending civil liberties and
censoring the press. Her authoritarian actions during this period led to widespread
political unrest but also economic stability.
Foreign Contributions:
Bangladesh Liberation War (1971): Her most celebrated foreign policy
achievement was her decisive support for the independence of Bangladesh. India
intervened militarily in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), leading to its independence
from Pakistan.
Non-Aligned Movement: Under her leadership, India took a strong position in the
Non-Aligned Movement, maintaining neutrality in the Cold War but leaning closer to
the Soviet Union, balancing relations with both superpowers.
Impact and Legacy:
Indira Gandhi is remembered for her bold decision-making, both in domestic and
foreign policies. Her legacy remains divisive due to the Emergency period, but she is
credited with transforming India’s agricultural and economic landscape.
2. Rajiv Gandhi (1944–1991)
Tenure: 1984–1989
Birth: August 20, 1944
Birthplace: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Parents: Feroze Gandhi (father), Indira Gandhi (mother)
Life Overview:
Rajiv Gandhi was initially uninterested in politics, pursuing a career as a pilot. However,
after the untimely death of his brother Sanjay in 1980, he was thrust into politics. After the
assassination of his mother in 1984, he became the youngest Indian Prime Minister at the age
of 40. He was married to Sonia Gandhi and had two children, Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi.
Inland Contributions:
Technological and IT Reforms: Rajiv Gandhi is best known for pioneering India’s
journey towards becoming an IT and telecommunications hub. He initiated policies to
modernize India's telecommunications and information technology sectors, leading to
long-term economic growth.
Anti-Defection Law (1985): His government passed this law to prevent political
defections, thereby ensuring more stable governments in the states and at the center.
Economic Reforms: Rajiv Gandhi started the process of economic liberalization,
although his reforms were less comprehensive than those that came later under PV
Narasimha Rao.
Foreign Contributions:
Sri Lanka Peace Accord (1987): Rajiv Gandhi's government sent the Indian Peace
Keeping Force (IPKF) to Sri Lanka to mediate in the civil conflict between the Tamil
rebels and the Sri Lankan government. However, the intervention was highly
controversial and ultimately unsuccessful.
Diplomatic Relations with Superpowers: Rajiv Gandhi sought to improve India’s
relations with the United States and continued friendly relations with the Soviet
Union.
Impact and Legacy:
Rajiv Gandhi's assassination in 1991 cut short his political career, but his tenure is
remembered for bringing a technology-driven vision to India. His economic policies
laid the groundwork for India's economic reforms in the 1990s.
3. P. V. Narasimha Rao (1921–2004)
Tenure: 1991–1996
Birth: June 28, 1921
Birthplace: Karimnagar, Hyderabad State (now in Telangana)
Parents: P. Ranga Rao (father), Rukmini Amma (mother)
Life Overview:
Narasimha Rao, often referred to as the "father of Indian economic reforms," was a scholar,
polyglot, and a political veteran with a long career before becoming Prime Minister. He was
known for his intellectualism and low-profile leadership. His administration oversaw
transformative economic reforms that changed the trajectory of the Indian economy.
Inland Contributions:
Economic Liberalization (1991): Under Rao's leadership, India underwent sweeping
economic reforms, which opened up its economy to global markets. The balance of
payments crisis in 1991 led to major structural reforms, reducing government control,
and encouraging foreign investment. These reforms are widely regarded as the
foundation of India's economic boom.
Industrial and Trade Reforms: Rao's government abolished the License Raj,
liberalized industries, and promoted private enterprise, shifting India's economy from
socialist protectionism to a more market-driven approach.
Foreign Contributions:
Look East Policy: Rao's government established the Look East policy, strengthening
India's relations with Southeast Asia, improving trade, and ensuring regional stability.
Diplomatic Relations with Israel: He normalized diplomatic relations with Israel in
1992, opening new strategic and defense ties.
Nuclear Policy: Rao laid the groundwork for India’s nuclear tests, which were
carried out by the subsequent government in 1998 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Impact and Legacy:
Rao is credited with transforming India's economy, shifting it towards liberalization,
which had lasting impacts on India's economic trajectory. He is often overshadowed
by others but is considered a key architect of modern India.
4. Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1924–2018)
Tenure: 1996 (13 days), 1998–2004
Birth: December 25, 1924
Birthplace: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
Parents: Krishna Bihari Vajpayee (father), Krishna Devi (mother)
Life Overview:
A founding member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Vajpayee was known for his oratory
skills and his centrist approach to governance, which helped him build coalitions across party
lines. He was deeply respected across the political spectrum.
Inland Contributions:
National Highway Development Project (NHDP): Vajpayee's government launched
the Golden Quadrilateral project, which sought to connect India’s major cities through
highways, significantly boosting connectivity and trade.
Economic Growth and IT Boom: During his tenure, India saw rapid economic
growth and the rise of the IT industry. Vajpayee encouraged private enterprise and
foreign investment.
Foreign Contributions:
Nuclear Tests (1998): Vajpayee made the bold decision to conduct nuclear tests in
Pokhran, making India a declared nuclear power. This invited international sanctions
but also solidified India's strategic positioning globally.
Lahore Declaration (1999): Vajpayee took a historic bus journey to Lahore to
initiate peace talks with Pakistan. Though this was disrupted by the Kargil War, his
efforts demonstrated a commitment to peace in the region.
Kargil War (1999): The successful handling of the Kargil conflict against Pakistan
established Vajpayee as a decisive leader, garnering national support.
Impact and Legacy:
Vajpayee is remembered for balancing economic reform with inclusivity. His
emphasis on infrastructure and economic growth helped India make significant strides
globally.
5. Manmohan Singh (1932– )
Tenure: 2004–2014
Birth: September 26, 1932
Birthplace: Gah, Punjab (now in Pakistan)
Parents: Gurmukh Singh (father), Amrit Kaur (mother)
Life Overview:
Manmohan Singh is an economist and statesman who played a key role in shaping modern
India's economy. He is best known for being the architect of the 1991 economic reforms
under Rao’s government. As Prime Minister, Singh maintained a scholarly demeanour, often
seen as a stabilizing figure.
Inland Contributions:
Economic Growth: Singh's tenure saw India achieve unprecedented economic
growth, with GDP growth rates averaging around 8% during his first term.
Right to Information Act (2005): His government passed the landmark RTI Act,
empowering citizens to demand transparency in governance.
MGNREGA (2005): The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee
Act was introduced, providing employment to millions in rural areas and reducing
poverty.
Foreign Contributions:
India-U.S. Civil Nuclear Deal (2008): Singh's government signed a historic
agreement with the U.S., allowing India access to civilian nuclear technology despite
being a non-signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
Closer Ties with Global Powers: Singh maintained and improved relations with
major global powers like the U.S., China, and Russia while focusing on economic
diplomacy.
Impact and Legacy:
Singh is remembered for his integrity, humility, and role in furthering India's
economic success. His tenure is marked by stability and growth, though criticized for
policy paralysis during his second term.
6. Narendra Modi (1950– )
Tenure: 2014–present
Birth: September 17, 1950
Birthplace: Vadnagar, Gujarat
Parents: Damodardas Mulchand Modi (father), Heeraben Modi (mother)
Life Overview:
Born into a modest family, Narendra Modi rose through the ranks of the Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and became the Chief Minister of Gujarat before serving as
India's Prime Minister. His leadership is marked by decisive governance and a focus on
nationalism.
Inland Contributions:
Goods and Services Tax (GST): Modi's government implemented the long-pending
GST, simplifying India's complex tax structure and integrating the economy.
Make in India and Digital India: His initiatives aimed at boosting manufacturing
and digitizing India’s economy, fostering growth in technology and infrastructure
sectors.
Swachh Bharat Mission (2014): Modi launched this national cleanliness campaign
to improve sanitation and eliminate open defecation.
Foreign Contributions:
Global Diplomacy: Modi has pursued a robust foreign policy, strengthening India’s
relations with global powers such as the U.S., Japan, and Israel. His government has
also sought to counter China's growing influence in Asia.
Paris Agreement (2015): Modi played a key role in shaping India's stance on climate
change, committing India to reduce its carbon footprint under the Paris Agreement.
Impact and Legacy:
Modi is seen as a transformative figure in Indian politics, with a focus on economic
reforms, nationalism, and building India's international stature. However, his tenure
has also faced criticism over communal tensions and controversial policies like
demonetization and the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
