‘Deepened India-UK Ties’: PM Modi Mourns Economist Meghnad Desai’s Demise

Last Updated:July 29, 2025, 22:44 IST

Eminent economist Meghnad Desai passed away at 84. PM Modi expressed condolences, noting Desai's role in strengthening India-UK ties. Desai was a renowned author and academic.

Born in Gujarat in 1940, Desai built a formidable academic career at the London School of Economics, where he taught for nearly four decades. (Photo: X/NarendraModi)

Eminent economist Meghnad Desai passed away at the age of 84 on Tuesday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences over Desai’s death and said he played a role in deepening India-UK ties.

“Anguished by the passing away of Shri Meghnad Desai Ji, a distinguished thinker, writer and economist. He always remained connected to India and Indian culture. He also played a role in deepening India-UK ties. Will fondly recall our discussions, where he shared his valuable insights. Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti," PM Modi wrote in a post on X.

Who Was Meghnad Desai?

Meghnad Desai was a renowned economist, author, and British parliamentarian whose intellectual influence spanned continents. Born in Gujarat in 1940, Desai built a formidable academic career at the London School of Economics, where he taught for nearly four decades and made significant contributions to development economics, Marxian theory, and global governance. A prolific writer, he authored over 200 academic papers and several influential books, including Marx’s Revenge and The Rediscovery of India. His sharp intellect and contrarian thinking made him a respected—often provocative—voice in both scholarly and policy circles.

Desai was appointed a life peer in the UK’s House of Lords in 1991 and remained deeply engaged in public life, using his platform to foster stronger India–UK ties. Despite spending much of his career abroad, he retained a strong connection to India through his writing, commentary, and the establishment of the Meghnad Desai Academy of Economics in Mumbai. Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2008, Desai remained a steadfast believer in open debate, cultural dialogue, and academic freedom. Until his passing in 2025, he continued to challenge orthodoxies and inspire new generations of economists and thinkers.

Saurabh Verma

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Senior Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

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