List of Top 5 Books Written by Manmohan Singh

Dr. Manmohan Singh, the famous economist and the 13th Prime Minister of India, passed away on December 26, 2024 at the age of 92.

His leadership and economic reforms left an indelible mark on the country. In addition to his political career, Dr. Singh was a prolific writer, sharing his profound insights through several notable works.

As the author, Dr. Singh provides an in-depth analysis of India’s economic landscape and development challenges. His writings reflect his commitment to India’s progress and his vision for India’s future.

His contributions include a five-volume series entitled Changing India, which provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s economic and political course.

In this article, we will explore the list of books written by Dr. Manmohan Singh that are must-reads for every Indian seeking to understand the economic and political evolution of the country.

These reforms not only revived the Indian economy but made it one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

Prime Minister’s Office

Dr. Manmohan Singh served as the 14th Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, leading the coalition government led by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA). After winning re-election in 2009, he was sworn in for a second term.

His government was praised for its sustained economic reforms and focus on inclusive growth through various social welfare programs, including the right to food and education.

Under his leadership, India’s economy grew significantly, becoming one of the world’s largest economies by 2014.

legacy and recognition

Dr. Singh was not only known for his economic acumen but was also recognized for his integrity and humble demeanor. He received numerous honors throughout his career, including the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second highest civilian award, in 1987.

His legacy includes creating an environment conducive to entrepreneurship and contributing to India’s emergence as a global economic player.

Manmohan Singh must-read book list

Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India, made significant contributions to literature, especially in the fields of economics and politics. His writings reflect his extensive experience as an economist and politician, providing insights into economic policy and governance in India.

title Year of publication describe
change india 2019 A comprehensive collection of Singer’s writings, speeches, and articles covering a wide range of economic, social, and political issues throughout his career.
India’s export trends and prospects for self-sustaining growth 1964 An early work that analyzed India’s export patterns and proposed strategies for sustainable economic growth.
Ten years of economic reform 2004 The work reflects the economic changes he implemented as finance minister and later as prime minister, emphasizing the importance of liberalization in driving growth.
Economic Reforms in India: Agenda for the Future 2006 This book provides an overview of the economic policies that shaped modern India and discusses future challenges and growth opportunities.
Let democracy be conducive to poverty alleviation and development 2003 A report by a Commonwealth expert group chaired by Singh discusses how democratic governance can be used to promote pro-poor development.

If you are interested | Dr. Manmohan Singh: Quotes, books and major initiatives during his first and second term as Prime Minister of India

#1. Changing India

change india This book is a five-volume compilation of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s writings as an economist, policymaker and Prime Minister. The series delves into the transformation of the Indian economy following liberalization and provides first-hand accounts of key reforms.

It delves into his views on governance, social justice and global diplomacy, highlighting the challenges and achievements of his tenure. The series is a testament to Dr. Singh’s commitment to promoting inclusive growth and economic stability. These books combine essays, speeches and policy reflections, making them a valuable resource for understanding India’s journey to becoming a global economic power.

#2. India’s export trends and prospects for self-sustaining growth

This path-breaking work analyzes India’s export pattern and its critical role in achieving self-reliant economic growth. Dr. Manmohan Singh discusses factors affecting export trends, including policy frameworks, global market conditions and domestic production capabilities. The book advocates a strong export-oriented strategy to enhance India’s global trade competitiveness.

Through detailed data and insights, it highlights the need for diversified export portfolio and infrastructure development to sustain growth. It is a foundational text for policymakers and economists, emphasizing the critical role of exports in India’s economic independence and modernization process.

#3. Ten years of economic reform

Ten years of economic reform An in-depth look at the economic transformation of the 1990s under Dr. Manmohan Singh. It examines the liberalization policies that reshaped India’s economic landscape, including deregulation, privatization, and global integration.

The book reflects on challenges such as fiscal deficit and inflation, offering solutions to ensure continued growth. Dr. Singh’s emphasis on the importance of balancing economic efficiency with social equity makes this book an essential read for understanding India’s economic history and the policies that drove its emergence as a global economic contender.

#4. Economic Reforms in India: Agenda for the Future

In this forward-looking book, Dr. Manmohan Singh outlines the future trajectory of India’s economic reforms. He highlighted areas that require urgent attention such as infrastructure development, fiscal consolidation and job creation. The book advocates policy continuity and innovation to address emerging challenges in a globalized economy.

Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of promoting public-private partnerships and strengthening institutional frameworks. This work combines pragmatic strategy and foresight to provide a roadmap for sustaining economic momentum while ensuring inclusive growth. It can serve as a guide for policymakers and academics.

#5. Let democracy be conducive to poverty alleviation and development

This book reflects Dr. Manmohan Singh’s belief in democracy as a tool for social and economic empowerment. It highlights the need for inclusive policies to improve marginalized communities and ensure equitable resource distribution. Dr. Singh discussed the role of good governance, education and healthcare in achieving pro-poor development.

He advocated participatory democracy and strong institutions to bridge economic divides. Through case studies and empirical evidence, this book highlights the symbiotic relationship between democracy and development. This is a compelling read for anyone interested in creating a just and sustainable society.

in conclusion

Dr Manmohan Singh has written numerous articles reflecting his expertise as an economist and policy maker. His publications cover a wide range of topics, including economic reform, fiscal policy, trade, globalization and inclusive development.

In these articles, Dr. Singh shares his insights on India’s economic challenges and strategies to address them, often emphasizing the need for structural reforms and balanced growth.

A prominent theme in his articles is the role of globalization in shaping the Indian economy. He advocates policies to integrate India into the global economy while protecting its vulnerable sectors. Dr. Singh has also written extensively on the importance of infrastructure, education and healthcare as pillars of sustainable growth.

Also Read | List of All Prime Ministers of India (1947-2025)