Editing Manmohan Singh (section)

== Prime Minister (2004–2014) ==
{{Wikinews|Manmohan Singh becomes the third longest serving Prime Minister of India}}

=== First term (2004–2009) ===
{{See also|First Manmohan Singh ministry}}
[[File:The President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam authorizing the Prime Minister designate Dr. Manmohan Singh to form the next Government in New Delhi on May 19, 2004.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[President of India]] [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]] authorising the Prime Minister designate Manmohan Singh to form the next Government in New Delhi on 19 May 2004]]
After the [[2004 Indian general election|2004 general elections]], the Indian National Congress ended the incumbent [[National Democratic Alliance (India)|National Democratic Alliance]] (NDA) tenure by becoming the political party with the single largest number of seats in the [[Lok Sabha]]. It formed [[United Progressive Alliance]] (UPA) with allies and staked claim to form government. In a surprise move, Chairperson [[Sonia Gandhi]] declared Manmohan Singh, a [[Technocracy|technocrat]], as the UPA candidate for the prime ministership. Despite the fact that Singh had never won a direct popular election, according to the [[BBC]], he "enjoyed massive popular support, not least because he was seen by many as a clean politician untouched by the taint of corruption that has run through many Indian administrations."<ref name="bbcprofile">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3725357.stm|title=Profile: Manmohan Singh|work=BBC News|date=30 March 2009|access-date=7 April 2010|archive-date=30 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430013006/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/south_asia/3725357.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> He took the oath as the Prime Minister of India on 22 May 2004.<ref>{{cite news|title=Manmohan to Advani: Change your astrologers, stop abuse against me|work=Thaindian News|date=22 July 2008|url=http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/south-asia/manmohan-to-advani-change-your-astrologers-stop-abuse-against-me_10074778.html|access-date=23 July 2008|archive-date=13 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413065737/http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/south-asia/manmohan-to-advani-change-your-astrologers-stop-abuse-against-me_10074778.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Manmohan takes on Advani: Babri destruction his only contribution|work=Southasia Times|date=25 March 2009}}</ref>

==== Economic policy ====
In 1991, Singh, as Finance Minister, abolished the [[Licence Raj]], source of slow economic growth and [[Corruption in India|corruption in the Indian economy]] for decades. He liberalised the Indian economy, allowing it to speed up development dramatically. During his term as prime minister, Singh continued to encourage growth in the Indian market, enjoying widespread success in these matters. Singh, along with his finance minister, [[P. Chidambaram]], presided over a period where the Indian economy grew with an 8–9% economic growth rate. In 2007, India achieved its highest GDP growth rate of 9% and became the second [[List of countries by real GDP growth rate|fastest growing major economy]] in the world.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/india/ |title=CIA – The World Factbook |publisher=Cia.gov |access-date=15 February 2011 |archive-date=18 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318202107/https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/india |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="astaire">{{cite web|url=http://www.ukibc.com/ukindia2/files/India60.pdf |title=The India Report |publisher=Astaire Research |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114195859/http://www.ukibc.com/ukindia2/files/India60.pdf |archive-date=14 January 2009 }}</ref> Singh's ministry enacted a [[National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005|National Employment Guarantee Act]] (MGNREGA) in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://haryanarural.gov.in/mahatma-gandhi-national-rural-employment-guarantee-scheme-mgnregs/#:~:text=The%20Government%20of%20India%20passed,to%20do%20unskilled%20manual%20work.|title=MAHATMA GANDHI NATIONAL RURAL EMPLOYMENT GUARANTEE SCHEME (MGNREGS)|publisher=HaryanaRural.gov|accessdate=26 December 2024|archive-date=26 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241226214300/https://haryanarural.gov.in/mahatma-gandhi-national-rural-employment-guarantee-scheme-mgnregs/#:~:text=The%20Government%20of%20India%20passed,to%20do%20unskilled%20manual%20work.|url-status=live}}</ref>

Singh's government continued the [[Golden Quadrilateral]] and the highway modernisation program that was initiated by [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee|Vajpayee]]'s government.<ref>{{cite web|title=Economic benefits of golden Quadilateral|date=4 May 2013|url=http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/economic-benefits-of-the-golden-quadrilateral-project/1/194321.html|publisher=Business today|access-date=14 June 2013|archive-date=7 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607070517/http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/economic-benefits-of-the-golden-quadrilateral-project/1/194321.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Singh also worked on reforming the banking and financial sectors, as well as public sector companies.<ref>{{cite news|title=Banking on reform|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/banking-on-reform/1059372/|access-date=14 June 2013|newspaper=Indian Express|archive-date=27 July 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727111620/http://www.indianexpress.com/news/banking-on-reform/1059372|url-status=live}}</ref> The Finance ministry worked towards relieving farmers of their debt and worked towards pro-industry policies.<ref>{{cite web|title=Farmer Waiver Scheme- PM statement|url=http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=39122|publisher=PIB|access-date=14 June 2013|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107072045/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=39122|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2005, Singh's government introduced the [[value added tax]], replacing [[sales tax]]. In 2007 and early 2008, the [[Great Recession]] impacted India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2008 |title=JPMorgan cuts India growth forecast, sees rate cuts |url=http://in.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idINIndia-36541420081117 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081216072137/http://in.reuters.com/article/businessNews/idINIndia-36541420081117 |archive-date=16 December 2008 |website=[[Reuters]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Global inflation climbs to historic levels|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/12/business/worldbusiness/12iht-inflate.1.9963291.html|newspaper=The New York Times|author=Kevin Plumberg|author2=Steven C. Johnson|access-date=17 June 2011|date=2 November 2008|archive-date=1 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110501111029/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/12/business/worldbusiness/12iht-inflate.1.9963291.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Healthcare and education ====
In 2005, Prime Minister Singh and his government's health ministry started the [[National Rural Health Mission]] (NHRM), which mobilised half a million community health workers. This rural health initiative was praised by the American economist [[Jeffrey Sachs]].<ref name="timepoverty">{{cite magazine|title=The End of Poverty|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1034738,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050317031951/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1034738,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=17 March 2005|first=Jeffrey D.|last=Sachs|date=6 March 2005|magazine=Time}}</ref> In 2006, his Government implemented the proposal to reserve 27% of seats in All India Institute of Medical Studies (AIIMS), Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) and other central institutions of higher education for Other Backward Classes which led to [[2006 Indian anti-reservation protests]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/from-mandal-commission-to-emergency-5-student-movements-that-shook-governments|title = From Mandal Commission to Emergency: 5 student movements that shook governments}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|first = S.L.|last = Rao|url =http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060605/asp/opinion/story_6293323.asp|title = TOO MANY BOSSES – The UPA has a cabinet with many insubordinate ministers|work =The Telegraph|date = 5 June 2006|access-date = 5 June 2006| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060626080730/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1060605/asp/opinion/story_6293323.asp| archive-date= 26 June 2006 | url-status= dead | location=Calcutta, India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu/content/students-and-doctors-protest-reservationaffirmative-action-system-india-2006-2008|title=Students and doctors protest reservation/affirmative-action system in India, 2006–2008|access-date=27 August 2012|work=Global Nonviolent Action Database}}</ref>

On 2 July 2009, Singh ministry introduced the [[Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009|Right to Education Act]] (RTE) act. Eight [[Indian Institutes of Technology|IITs]] were opened in the states of [[Andhra Pradesh]], Bihar, [[Gujarat]], Orissa, [[Punjab, India|Punjab]], Madhya Pradesh, [[Rajasthan]] and [[Himachal Pradesh]].<ref>{{cite web|title=LS passes bill to provide IIT for eight states.|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/148456/ls-passes-bill-provide-iit.html|work=Deccan Herald|date=24 March 2011 |access-date=14 June 2013|archive-date=24 March 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324032628/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/148456/ls-passes-bill-provide-iit.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Singh government also continued the [[Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan]] program. The program includes the introduction and improvement of mid-day meals and the opening of schools all over India, especially in rural areas, to fight [[illiteracy]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Direct SSA funds for school panels|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/338571/direct-ssa-funds-school-panels.html|access-date=14 June 2013|newspaper=Deccan Herald|archive-date=17 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140517212319/http://www.deccanherald.com/content/338571/direct-ssa-funds-school-panels.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Home affairs ====
{{multiple image|perrow=1|total_width=220 | caption_align=center | image_style = border:none;|background color = #F5F5DC| align = right |image1=|caption1={{font|size=110%|font=|text=National Investigation Agency, a state agency established by Singh ministry to combat terror in India.}}}}
Singh's government strengthened anti-terror laws with amendments to [[Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act]] (UAPA). [[National Investigation Agency (India)|National Investigation Agency]] (NIA) was also created soon after the [[2008 Mumbai attacks|2008 Mumbai terror attacks]], as need for a central agency to combat terrorism was realised.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/report/2010/07/27/back-future/indias-2008-counterterrorism-laws|title=Back to the Future: India's 2008 Counterterrorism Laws|work=Human Rights Watch|date=27 July 2010|publisher=HRW.org|accessdate=26 December 2024|archive-date=20 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220091723/https://www.hrw.org/report/2010/07/27/back-future/indias-2008-counterterrorism-laws|url-status=live}}</ref> Also, [[Unique Identification Authority of India]] was established in February 2009, an agency responsible for implementing the envisioned [[Multipurpose National Identity Card]] with the objective of increasing national security and facilitating e-governance.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/multi-purpose-national-id-card-india-aadhaar-passport-6022113/|title=Explained: Is India likely to have a multipurpose national ID card?|publisher=Indian Express|accessdate=26 December 2024|date=24 September 2019|archive-date=8 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208051547/https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/multi-purpose-national-id-card-india-aadhaar-passport-6022113/|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:The President of Afghanistan, Mr. Hamid Karzai meeting with the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, in New Delhi on August 04, 2008.jpg|thumb|right|Singh with Afghan President [[Hamid Karzai]] in August 2008]]
Singh's administration initiated a massive reconstruction effort in [[Kashmir]] to stabilise the region but after some period of success, insurgent infiltration and terrorism in Kashmir has increased since 2009.<ref name=Buzz7 /> The Singh administration was, however, successful in reducing terrorism in Northeast India.<ref name=Buzz7>[http://buzz7.com/news/infiltration-has-not-reduced-in-kashmir-insurgency-down-in-north-east-chidambaram.html Infiltration has not reduced in Kashmir, insurgency down in North East: Chidambaram] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107072045/http://buzz7.com/news/infiltration-has-not-reduced-in-kashmir-insurgency-down-in-north-east-chidambaram.html |date=7 January 2016 }}</ref>

In 2005, he controversially apologised on behalf of the [[Indian National Congress]] for the bloodshed during the [[1984 anti-Sikh riots]] in a speech to Parliament.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 April 2011 |title=Manmohan Singh's apology for anti-Sikh riots a 'Gandhian moment of moral clarity,' says 2005 cable |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/the-india-cables/Manmohan-Singhs-apology-for-anti-Sikh-riots-a-lsquoGandhian-moment-of-moral-clarity-says-2005-cable/article14692805.ece |access-date=3 November 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=9 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109142054/https://www.thehindu.com/news/the-india-cables/Manmohan-Singhs-apology-for-anti-Sikh-riots-a-lsquoGandhian-moment-of-moral-clarity-says-2005-cable/article14692805.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Notable legislation ====
The important [[National Rural Employment Guarantee Act]] (NREGA) and the [[Right to Information Act]] were passed by the [[Parliament of India|Parliament]] in 2005 during his tenure. While the effectiveness of the NREGA has been successful at various degrees, in various regions, the RTI act has proved crucial in India's fight against corruption.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merinews.com/article/rti-act-a-strong-tool-to-cleanse-corruption-in-india/15787433.shtml|title=RTI Act: A strong tool to cleanse corruption in India|access-date=16 November 2016|archive-date=21 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021000554/http://www.merinews.com/article/rti-act-a-strong-tool-to-cleanse-corruption-in-india/15787433.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> New cash benefits were also introduced for widows, pregnant women, and landless persons.<ref>[http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---gender/documents/publication/wcms_233599.pdf Gender Report] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113142937/http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---dgreports/---gender/documents/publication/wcms_233599.pdf |date=13 November 2022 }}. ''[[ilo.org]]''.</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JKrQOAKQX60C&q=Indira%20UPA%20government%20social%20security&pg=PA360|title=India Business Yearbook 2009|date=1 November 2009|publisher=Vikas Publishing House Pvt Limited|access-date=16 November 2016|via=Google Books|isbn=9788125930860|archive-date=11 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611102936/https://books.google.com/books?id=JKrQOAKQX60C&q=Indira%20UPA%20government%20social%20security&pg=PA360|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013]] was passed on 29 August 2013 in the [[Lok Sabha]] (lower house of the Indian parliament) and on 4 September 2013 in [[Rajya Sabha]] (upper house of the Indian parliament). The bill received the assent of the [[President of India]], [[Pranab Mukherjee]] on 27 September 2013.<ref name=ndtv1>{{cite news|title=President Pranab Mukherjee gives nod to Land Acquisition Bill|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/president-pranab-mukherjee-gives-nod-to-land-acquisition-bill-424675|access-date=10 October 2013|newspaper=NDTV|date=27 September 2013|archive-date=7 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007015123/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/president-pranab-mukherjee-gives-nod-to-land-acquisition-bill-424675|url-status=live}}</ref> The Act came into force from 1 January 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Gazette Notification of coming into force of the Act |url=http://dolr.nic.in/dolr/downloads/pdfs/Right%20to%20FC%26T%20in%20LAR%26RA%202013%20Gazette%20Notification%20.pdf |publisher=Government of India |access-date=4 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140104205638/http://dolr.nic.in/dolr/downloads/pdfs/Right%20to%20FC%26T%20in%20LAR%26RA%202013%20Gazette%20Notification%20.pdf |archive-date=4 January 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=The New Land Acquisition Act to come into effect from 2014|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-10-16/news/43107324_1_monsoon-session-jairam-ramesh-new-land-acquisition-act|access-date=1 November 2013|newspaper=Economic Times|date=16 October 2013|archive-date=3 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103185318/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-10-16/news/43107324_1_monsoon-session-jairam-ramesh-new-land-acquisition-act|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Land Acquisition bill to be notified early next year: Jairam Ramesh|url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-09-15/news/42083755_1_land-acquisition-bills-land-rights-land-deeds|access-date=10 October 2013|newspaper=Economic Times|date=15 September 2013|archive-date=16 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016085444/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2013-09-15/news/42083755_1_land-acquisition-bills-land-rights-land-deeds|url-status=dead}}</ref>

[[Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act]] was enacted on 4 August 2009, which describes the modalities of the importance of free and compulsory education for children between 6 and 14 in India under Article 21A of the [[Indian Constitution]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.education.nic.in/constitutional.asp |title=Provisions of the Constitution of India having a bearing on Education |publisher=Department of Higher Education |access-date=1 April 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100201181216/http://www.education.nic.in/constitutional.asp |archive-date=1 February 2010 }}</ref> India became one of 135 countries to make [[Right to education|education a fundamental right]] of every child when the act came into force on 1 April 2010.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article337111.ece|title=Education is a fundamental right now|author=Aarti Dhar|date=1 April 2010|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107072045/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article337111.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8598167.stm|title=India launches children's right to education|date=1 April 2010|work=BBC News|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-date=15 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141215022947/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8598167.stm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article365232.ece|title=India joins list of 135 countries in making education a right|date=2 April 2010|publisher=The Hindu News|newspaper=The Hindu|access-date=24 February 2015|archive-date=7 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107072045/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article365232.ece|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Foreign policy ====
{{See also|List of international prime ministerial trips made by Manmohan Singh}}
{{multiple image
| align = right
| direction = vertical
| image1 = President Barack Obama with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh 2009-11-24(2).jpg
| alt1 = Manmohan Singh with American President Barack Obama at the White House
| alt2 = The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh with the American President, Mr. George W. Bush interacting with media at oval office, in Washington DC
| caption2 = Singh with American presidents, [[Barack Obama]] and [[George W. Bush]], at the [[White House]]
| image2 = The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh with the American President, Mr. George W. Bush interacting with media at oval office, in Washington DC, during his visit to the United States, on September 25, 2008.jpg
}}

Manmohan Singh continued the [[Foreign relations of India|pragmatic foreign policy]] that was started by [[P.V. Narasimha Rao]] and continued by [[Bharatiya Janata Party]]'s [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]]. Singh continued the [[India-Pakistan relations|peace process with Pakistan]] initiated by his predecessor, Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Exchange of high-level visits by top leaders from both countries have highlighted his tenure. Efforts have been made during Singh's tenure to end the border dispute with [[China|People's Republic of China]]. In November 2006, Chinese President [[Hu Jintao]] visited India which was followed by Singh's visit to Beijing in January 2008. A major development in [[Sino-Indian relations]] was the reopening of the [[Nathula Pass]] in 2006 after being closed for more than four decades.<ref name="state visit">{{cite web |title=Visits of Heads of States/Heads of Governments |url=https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/China_Jan_2016.pdf |publisher=Ministry of External Affairs (India) |access-date=28 April 2020 |archive-date=3 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803163632/https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/China_Jan_2016.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Premier of the People's Republic of China|Premier of the State Council]] of the People's Republic of China, [[Li Keqiang]] paid a state visit to India (Delhi-[[Mumbai]]) from 19 to 21 May 2013.<ref name="state visit" /> Singh paid an official visit to China from 22 to 24 October 2013.<ref name="state visit" /> Three agreements were signed establishing [[Sister Cities International|sister-city partnership]] between Delhi-Beijing, Kolkata-[[Kunming]] and Bangalore-[[Chengdu]]. As of 2010, the People's Republic of China was the second biggest trade partner of India.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90778/90861/6873167.html|title=China becomes India's 2nd largest trade partner – People's Daily Online|access-date=19 December 2019|archive-date=7 September 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130907233342/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90778/90861/6873167.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[India-Afghanistan relations|Relations with Afghanistan]] have improved considerably, with India now becoming the largest regional donor to Afghanistan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cfr.org/publication/17474/indiaafghanistan_relations.html|title=India-Afghanistan Relations|access-date=11 December 2008|last=Bajoria|first=Jayshree|date=23 October 2008|publisher=[[Council on Foreign Relations]]|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081129231738/http://www.cfr.org/publication/17474/indiaafghanistan_relations.html|archive-date=29 November 2008}}</ref> During Afghan President [[Hamid Karzai]]'s visit to New Delhi in August 2008, Manmohan Singh increased the aid package to Afghanistan for the development of more schools, health clinics, infrastructure, and defence.<ref name=BBC2>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7540204.stm|title=BBC NEWS – South Asia – India announces more Afghan aid|access-date=16 November 2016|archive-date=26 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226123533/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7540204.stm|url-status=live}}</ref> Under the leadership of Singh, India emerged as one of the single largest aid donors to Afghanistan.<ref name=BBC2 />

[[File:The_Prime_Minister,_Dr._Manmohan_Singh_meeting_the_President_of_Egypt,_Mr._Hosni_Mubarak_on_the_sideline_of_the_15th_NAM_Summit,_at_Sharm_El_Sheikh,_Egypt,_on_July_16,_2009.jpg|alt=The_Prime_Minister,_Dr._Manmohan_Singh_meeting_the_President_of_Egypt,_Mr._Hosni_Mubarak_on_the_sideline_of_the_15th_NAM_Summit,_at_Sharm_El_Sheikh,_Egypt,_on_July_16,_2009|thumb|Singh with Egyptian President [[Hosni Mubarak]] on the sideline of the [[Non-Aligned Movement|15th NAM Summit]], at [[Sharm El Sheikh]], Egypt, July 2009]]
[[File:Dmitry Medvedev in China 14 April 2011-2.jpeg|thumb|Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with [[Dmitry Medvedev]], [[Hu Jintao]], [[Dilma Rousseff]] and [[Jacob Zuma]] at the [[2011 BRICS summit]] in [[Sanya]], China]]

Singh's government worked towards stronger [[India-US relations|ties with the United States]]. He visited the United States in July 2005 initiating negotiations over the [[Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement]]. This was followed by [[George W. Bush]]'s successful visit to India in March 2006, during which the declaration over the nuclear agreement was made, giving India access to American nuclear fuel and technology while India will have to allow [[IAEA]] inspection of its civil [[nuclear reactor]]s. After more than two years for more negotiations, followed by approval from the IAEA, [[Nuclear Suppliers Group]] and the [[US Congress]], India and the US signed the agreement on 10 October 2008 with [[Pranab Mukherjee]] representing India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90852/6513319.html|title=U.S., India ink historic civilian nuclear deal|access-date=11 December 2008|date=11 October 2008|work=People's Daily|archive-date=13 April 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090413053230/http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90852/6513319.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Singh had the first official state visit to the White House during the administration of US President [[Barack Obama]]. The visit took place in November 2009, and several discussions took place, including on trade and nuclear power.<ref name="CSIS">{{cite web |title=Manmohan Singh's U.S. Visit |url=https://www.csis.org/analysis/manmohan-singh%E2%80%99s-us-visit |publisher=Centre for Strategic and International Studies |access-date=28 April 2020 |archive-date=11 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611102936/https://www.csis.org/analysis/manmohan-singhs-us-visit |url-status=live }}</ref>

Relations improved with Japan and [[European Union]] countries, like the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. Relations with Iran continued and negotiations over the [[Iran-Pakistan-India gas pipeline]] have taken place. New Delhi hosted an India–Africa Summit in April 2006 which was attended by the leaders of 15 African states.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://africanpress.wordpress.com/2008/03/28/several-african-leaders-to-attend-africa-india-summit-au-says/|title=Several African leaders to attend Africa-India summit, AU says|access-date=11 December 2008|date=28 March 2008|publisher=African Press International|archive-date=1 October 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001071620/http://africanpress.wordpress.com/2008/03/28/several-african-leaders-to-attend-africa-india-summit-au-says/|url-status=live}}</ref> Relations have improved with other developing countries, particularly Brazil and South Africa. Singh carried forward the momentum which was established after the "Brasilia Declaration" in 2003 and the [[IBSA Dialogue Forum]] was formed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.africanexecutive.com/modules/magazine/articles.php?article=3708 |title=IBSA Dialogue Forum: A Strategic Partnership |access-date=11 December 2008 |last=Beri |first=Ruchita |date=10 December 2008 |work=The African Executive |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411204949/http://www.africanexecutive.com/modules/magazine/articles.php?article=3708 |archive-date=11 April 2009 }}</ref>

Singh's government has also been especially keen on [[India-Israel relations|expanding ties with Israel]]. Since 2003, the two countries have made significant investments in each other<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=ea163747-b106-4e32-b231-7eb64de62985 |title=India and Israel: The great seduction |access-date=11 December 2008 |last=Halarnkar |first=Samar |date=23 October 2007 |work=Hindustan Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107062435/http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=ea163747-b106-4e32-b231-7eb64de62985 |archive-date=7 January 2009 }}</ref> and Israel now rivals Russia to become India's largest defence partner.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9B0DE3DD163BF934A3575AC0A9659C8B63|title=The Bond Between India and Israel Grows|access-date=11 December 2008|last=Waldman|first=Amy|date=7 September 2003|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|archive-date=11 June 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240611102954/https://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/07/world/the-bond-between-india-and-israel-grows.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Though there have been a few diplomatic glitches between India and Russia, especially over the delay and price hike of several Russian weapons to be delivered to India,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/17/stories/2008041761781200.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080421021724/http://www.hindu.com/2008/04/17/stories/2008041761781200.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 April 2008|title=Centre admits to problems in naval deals|access-date=11 December 2008|last=Dikshit|first=Sandeep|date=17 April 2008|work=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai, India}}</ref> relations between the two remained strong with India and Russia signing various agreements to increase defence, nuclear energy and space co-operation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=339943 |title=India, Russia sign agreements to further strengthen ties |access-date=11 December 2008 |last=Roychowdhury |first=Amitabh |date=6 December 2006 |work=[[Outlook (Indian magazine)|Outlook]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090411192950/http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=339943 |archive-date=11 April 2009 }}</ref>

During the [[2011 Libyan Civil War|Libyan Civil War]], India abstained from voting on the [[UN Security Council Resolution 1973|UN Security Council's Resolutions 1970 and 1973]] that authorised [[NATO]] action in Libya.<ref>{{cite news|title=India and China had similar considerations on Libya|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1571829.ece|access-date=30 December 2012|newspaper=The Hindu|date=26 March 2011|archive-date=8 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110908001259/http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article1571829.ece|url-status=live}}</ref> In Lok Sabha, resolution was uniamously adopted to condemn [[Military intervention in Libya|NATO's military intervention in Libya]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/parties-unite-to-slam-strikes-on-libya/articleshow/7766649.cms|title=Parties unite to slam strikes on Libya|date=23 March 2011|publisher=Times of India|archive-date=29 March 2023|access-date=27 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329054016/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/parties-unite-to-slam-strikes-on-libya/articleshow/7766649.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2009, Singh was among the leaders who laid the foundation of the [[BRICS]]. The establishment of the group is often described as a display of emergent economic power.<ref name="i727">{{cite web | last=Cowell | first=Alan | title=Manmohan Singh, Indian Prime Minister, Dies at 92 | website=The New York Times | date=26 December 2024 | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/26/world/asia/manmohan-singh-dead.html | access-date=27 December 2024}}</ref>

Singh criticised the West for the use of force to enforce regime change in Syria and Libya during his speech at the UN in September 2011.<ref>{{cite news |last=Diwakar |date=25 September 2011 |title=Manmohan slams West for using force to change regimes |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/manmohan-slams-west-for-using-force-to-change-regimes/articleshow/10108923.cms |work=[[The Times of India]] |access-date=14 June 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025012351/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-25/india/30200524_1_libya-sovereignty-countries |archive-date=25 October 2012}}</ref> India was silent over the killing of Gaddafi.<ref name="thediplomat">{{cite news|title=Why India Admired Gaddafi|url=https://thediplomat.com/indian-decade/2011/10/28/why-india-admired-gaddafi/|access-date=30 December 2012|newspaper=The Diplomat|date=28 October 2011|archive-date=10 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510062719/http://thediplomat.com/indian-decade/2011/10/28/why-india-admired-gaddafi/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=India Quiet on Gaddafi Killing|url=https://thediplomat.com/indian-decade/2011/10/23/india-quiet-on-gaddafi-killing/|access-date=30 December 2012|newspaper=The Diplomat|date=23 October 2011|archive-date=10 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510042400/http://thediplomat.com/indian-decade/2011/10/23/india-quiet-on-gaddafi-killing/|url-status=live}}</ref> Although India was among the last few countries to recognise the Libyan National Transitional Council, it agreed to work with the Council to help rebuild Libya.<ref>{{cite news|title=India offers all help to Libya|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/middle-east/India-offers-all-help-to-Libya/articleshow/10434464.cms|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510142536/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-10-21/middle-east/30305924_1_muammar-gaddafi-libyan-people-unsc-resolution|url-status=live|archive-date=10 May 2013|access-date=30 December 2012|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]|date=21 October 2011}}</ref> India resent an ambassador to Tripoli in July 2012 having shut its mission in Tripoli in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|title=India and Ivory Coast Send Ambassadors to Libya|url=http://libyaninvestment.com/libya-business-news/65278-india-and-ivory-coast-send-ambassadors-to-libya.html|access-date=30 December 2012|date=3 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141107032952/http://libyaninvestment.com/libya-business-news/65278-india-and-ivory-coast-send-ambassadors-to-libya.html|archive-date=7 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Second term (2009–2014) ===
{{See also|Second Manmohan Singh ministry}}
[[File:Manmohan Singh and the Prime Minister of Japan, Mr. Shinzo Abe signed the documents on Joint statement strengthening strategic and global partnership between Japan and India beyond the 60th Anniversary of Diplomatic.jpg|thumb|right|Singh with Japanese Prime Minister [[Shinzo Abe]] in May 2013]]
India held general [[2009 Indian general election|elections to the 15th Lok Sabha]] in five phases between 16 April 2009 and 13 May 2009. The results of the election were announced on 16 May 2009.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gf53l7BbUSc4DUHCgzjLF4YfW9CgD987BC100|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121206033206/http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gf53l7BbUSc4DUHCgzjLF4YfW9CgD987BC100|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 December 2012|title=India's ruling party wins resounding victory|agency=Associated Press|date=16 May 2009|access-date=16 May 2009}}</ref> Strong showing in [[Andhra Pradesh]], [[Rajasthan]], [[Maharashtra]], [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Kerala]], [[West Bengal]] and [[Uttar Pradesh]] helped the [[United Progressive Alliance]] (UPA) form the new government under the incumbent Singh, who became the first prime minister since [[Jawaharlal Nehru]] in [[1962 Indian general election|1962]] to win re-election after completing a full five-year term.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" /> The Congress and its allies were able to put together a comfortable majority with support from 322 members out of 543 members of the House. These included those of the UPA and the external support from the [[Bahujan Samaj Party]] (BSP), [[Samajwadi Party]] (SP), [[Janata Dal (Secular)]] (JD(S)), [[Rashtriya Janata Dal]] (RJD) and other minor parties.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/smooth-sailing-for-upa-parties-scramble-to-support/92967-37.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090521022032/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/smooth-sailing-for-upa-parties-scramble-to-support/92967-37.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 May 2009|title=Smooth sailing for UPA, parties scramble to support|date=19 May 2009|publisher=[[CNN-IBN]]|access-date=13 June 2009}}</ref>

On 22 May 2009, Manmohan Singh was sworn in as the prime minister during a ceremony held at [[Rashtrapati Bhavan]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.timesnow.tv/Team-manmohan-set-to-form-govt-today/articleshow/4317510.cms|title=Team Manmohan set to form govt today|date=22 May 2009|publisher=[[Times Now]]|access-date=13 June 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090527164431/http://www.timesnow.tv/Team-manmohan-set-to-form-govt-today/articleshow/4317510.cms|archive-date=27 May 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSDEL00004820090522|title=India PM Singh takes oath for second term|date=22 May 2009|work=Reuters|access-date=13 June 2009|archive-date=25 May 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525123414/http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSDEL00004820090522|url-status=live}}</ref>

In his second term, Singh's government was involved in political scandals such as the [[2G spectrum case]] and the [[Concerns and controversies at the 2010 Commonwealth Games|Commonwealth Games scandal]].<ref>{{Cite news|agency=PTI|date=12 December 2011|title=2G case: A chronology of events|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/2g-case-a-chronology-of-events/article12151968.ece|access-date=18 September 2021|issn=0971-751X|archive-date=18 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918163056/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/2g-case-a-chronology-of-events/article12151968.ece|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=India's 2G scandal |publisher=BBC World News |date=11 November 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=2G Scam Explained|url=https://www.news18.com/news/immersive/2g-scam-explained.html|access-date=18 September 2021|website=News18.com|language=en|archive-date=18 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210918163057/https://www.news18.com/news/immersive/2g-scam-explained.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.timesnow.tv/Tained-Kalmadi-sacked-as-IOA-chief/articleshow/4371548.cms|title=Tained Kalmadi sacked as IOA chief|date=26 April 2011|work=The Times of India|access-date=26 April 2011|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304204104/http://www.timesnow.tv/Tained-Kalmadi-sacked-as-IOA-chief/articleshow/4371548.cms|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="bloomberg.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-21/indians-divide-over-policing-a-watchdog-world-view.html|title=Indians Divide Over Policing a Watchdog: World View|publisher=bloomberg.com|date=22 June 2011|access-date=25 August 2011|first=Chandrahas|last=Choudhury|archive-date=25 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625135458/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-06-21/indians-divide-over-policing-a-watchdog-world-view.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Singh declined to appear before a [[Joint parliamentary committee|Joint Parliamentary Committee]] (JPC) in April 2013 when called upon by one of the members of JPC [[Yashwant Sinha]] for his alleged involvement in the 2G case.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1820446/report-2g-scam-disappointed-over-manmohan-singh-s-refusal-to-appear-before-jpc-says-yashwant-sinha | title=2G scam: Disappointed over Manmohan Singh's refusal to appear before JPC, says Yashwant Sinha | work=DNA India | date=9 April 2013 | agency=ANI | access-date=13 April 2013 | archive-date=14 April 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414233119/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1820446/report-2g-scam-disappointed-over-manmohan-singh-s-refusal-to-appear-before-jpc-says-yashwant-sinha | url-status=live }}</ref> In 2017, all of the accused were acquitted in the 2G case.<ref name="s851">{{cite web | title=Live Updates: A Raja, Kanimozhi acquitted in 2G Scam case | website=The Economic Times | date=21 December 2017 | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/a-raja-kanimozhi-acquitted-in-2g-scam-case/articleshow/62189376.cms?from=mdr | access-date=30 December 2024 | archive-date=4 January 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250104172549/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/a-raja-kanimozhi-acquitted-in-2g-scam-case/articleshow/62189376.cms?from=mdr | url-status=live }}</ref> Following this verdict, the Congress stated the "BJP has been exposed for its untruth and propaganda against Congress," and urged [[Narendra Modi]] and [[Arun Jaitley]] "to apologise to the nation".<ref name="t249">{{cite web | last=India | first=Press Trust of | title="Prime Minister Should Apologise To Nation": Congress After 2G Case Verdict | website=www.ndtv.com | date=21 December 2017 | url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/prime-minister-should-apologise-to-nation-congress-after-2g-case-verdict-1790585 | access-date=30 December 2024 | archive-date=4 January 2025 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250104182538/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/prime-minister-should-apologise-to-nation-congress-after-2g-case-verdict-1790585 | url-status=live }}</ref>

Following the [[2012 Delhi gang rape and murder]], Singh appealed for calm, stressing that "violence will serve no purpose".<ref name="emirates">{{cite web|url=http://www.emirates247.com/news/delhi-gang-rape-indian-pm-manmohan-singh-s-theek-hai-goes-viral-as-capital-burns-2012-12-24-1.488541|title=Delhi gang-rape: Indian PM Manmohan Singh's 'Theek Hai' gaffe sets Twitter on fire|publisher=[[Emirates 24/7]]|date=24 December 2012|access-date=24 December 2012|archive-date=31 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331135833/https://www.emirates247.com/news/delhi-gang-rape-indian-pm-manmohan-singh-s-theek-hai-goes-viral-as-capital-burns-2012-12-24-1.488541|url-status=live}}</ref> In a televised address, he assured that all possible efforts would be made to ensure the safety of women in India. Singh expressed empathy, saying: "As a father of three daughters I feel as strongly about the incident as each one of you".<ref name="emirates" /> As a tribute to the victim, the prime minister cancelled all his official events to celebrate the new year.<ref>{{cite news |first=Rama |last=Lakshmi |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/muted-new-year-celebrations-in-india-after-gang-rape-victims-death/2012/12/31/6e372eac-5370-11e2-abc4-3d33329b6128_story.html |title=Muted New Year's celebrations in India after gang-rape victim's death |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=31 December 2012 |access-date=23 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915084002/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/muted-new-year-celebrations-in-india-after-gang-rape-victims-death/2012/12/31/6e372eac-5370-11e2-abc4-3d33329b6128_story.html |archive-date=15 September 2018 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The 2012 report filed by the CAG in Parliament of India states that due to the allocation of coal blocks to certain private companies without bidding process the nation suffered an estimated loss of Rs 1.85{{nbs}}trillion ([[Long and short scales|short scale]]) between 2005 and 2009 in which Manmohan Singh was the coal minister of India.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://news.oneindia.in/2012/08/17/coalgate-scam-pm-manmohan-singh-asked-to-resign-bjp-1055354.html | title=Coalgate scam: PM Manmohan Singh asked to resign | date=18 August 2012 | access-date=11 April 2013 | author=Nairita | archive-date=10 May 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130510215320/http://news.oneindia.in/2012/08/17/coalgate-scam-pm-manmohan-singh-asked-to-resign-bjp-1055354.html | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-08-19/news/33272942_1_coal-scam-2g-telecom-minister | title=Prime Minister Manmohan Singh directly responsible for coal scam: Arun Jaitley | work=The Economic Times | date=19 August 2012 | agency=PTI | access-date=13 April 2013 | archive-date=8 May 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130508021848/http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-08-19/news/33272942_1_coal-scam-2g-telecom-minister | url-status=dead }}</ref>

Singh's government had an approval rating of 30% by 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url = http://www.gallup.com/poll/181973/india-new-leadership-faces-high-expectations.aspx|title = India's New Leadership Faces High Expectations|date = 13 March 2015|access-date = 27 December 2024|archive-date = 1 August 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170801195752/http://www.gallup.com/poll/181973/india-new-leadership-faces-high-expectations.aspx|url-status = live}}</ref>