Complete Prime Ministers of India List (1947-Present) : Tenures & Achievements

India, a democratic republic, has seen a variety of leaders at its helm since gaining independence in 1947. Each Prime Minister has played a distinct role in shaping the nation’s policies, economy, and global standing. This article provides a detailed overview of all Prime Ministers of India from 1947 to Present, highlighting their tenures, notable achievements, and key contributions.

The Prime Minister of India is the head of government and the executive authority of the nation. Appointed by the President of India, the Prime Minister must have the support of the majority in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of Parliament. This article lists all the Prime Ministers from 1947 to present, offering insights into their terms, contributions, and significant events during their leadership.

Prime Ministers of India List (1947-Present)

The Prime Ministers of India have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s trajectory, leading it from its early days of independence to its current status as a global power. From the foundational policies of Jawaharlal Nehru to the modern reforms of Narendra Modi, each leader has contributed uniquely to India’s political, economic, and social evolution.

Download Prime Ministers of India List (1947-Present)

1. Jawaharlal Nehru (1947-1964)

• Tenure: August 15, 1947 – May 27, 1964
• Age When Assumed Office: 57 years, 274 days
• Duration: 16 years, 286 days

Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India, was a central figure in Indian politics. His tenure saw the establishment of key institutions and policies that shaped modern India.

2. Gulzarilal Nanda (1964, 1966)

• Tenure: May 27, 1964 – June 9, 1964 (Acting)
• Tenure: January 11, 1966 – January 24, 1966 (Acting)
• Age When Assumed Office: 65 years, 328 days (1964), 67 years, 191 days (1966)
• Duration: 13 days (1964), 13 days (1966)

Gulzarilal Nanda served as Acting Prime Minister twice, following the deaths of Nehru and Shastri. His brief tenures were transitional periods leading to new leadership.

3. Lal Bahadur Shastri (1964-1966)

• Tenure: June 9, 1964 – January 11, 1966
• Age When Assumed Office: 62 years, 250 days
• Duration: 1 year, 216 days

Lal Bahadur Shastri is remembered for his slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” and his role during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. His leadership emphasized simplicity and integrity.

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4. Indira Gandhi (1966-1977, 1980-1984)

• Tenure: January 24, 1966 – March 24, 1977
• Tenure: January 14, 1980 – October 31, 1984
• Age When Assumed Office: 48 years, 66 days (1966), 62 years, 56 days (1980)
• Duration: 11 years, 59 days (1966-77), 4 years, 291 days (1980-84)

Indira Gandhi, the first and only female Prime Minister of India, had two separate terms marked by significant changes in policy, including the declaration of the Emergency and the Green Revolution.

5. Morarji Desai (1977-1979)

• Tenure: March 24, 1977 – July 28, 1979
• Age When Assumed Office: 81 years, 24 days
• Duration: 2 years, 126 days

Morarji Desai was the first Prime Minister from a non-Congress party. His tenure was noted for economic reforms and efforts towards fostering good relations with neighboring countries.

6. Charan Singh (1979-1980)

• Tenure: July 28, 1979 – January 14, 1980
• Age When Assumed Office: 76 years, 217 days
• Duration: 170 days

Charan Singh’s term was marked by political instability and he became the first Prime Minister who did not address the Parliament during his tenure.

7. Rajiv Gandhi (1984-1989)

• Tenure: October 31, 1984 – December 2, 1989
• Age When Assumed Office: 40 years, 72 days
• Duration: 5 years, 32 days

Rajiv Gandhi, the youngest Prime Minister, focused on technological advancement and modernization of the Indian economy. His term was cut short by his assassination in 1991.

8. Vishwanath Pratap Singh (1989-1990)

• Tenure: December 2, 1989 – November 10, 1990
• Age When Assumed Office: 58 years, 160 days
• Duration: 343 days

Vishwanath Pratap Singh is known for his implementation of the Mandal Commission report, which provided reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in government jobs.

9. Chandra Shekhar (1990-1991)

• Tenure: November 10, 1990 – June 21, 1991
• Age When Assumed Office: 63 years, 207 days
• Duration: 223 days

Chandra Shekhar led a minority government during a period of economic crisis and political turmoil.

10. P. V. Narasimha Rao (1991-1996)

• Tenure: June 21, 1991 – May 16, 1996
• Age When Assumed Office: 69 years, 358 days
• Duration: 4 years, 330 days

P. V. Narasimha Rao is credited with initiating economic reforms that liberalized the Indian economy. His policies laid the foundation for India’s growth in the following decades.

11. Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1996, 1998-2004)

• Tenure: May 16, 1996 – June 1, 1996
• Tenure: March 19, 1998 – May 22, 2004
• Age When Assumed Office: 71 years, 143 days (1996), 73 years, 84 days (1998)
• Duration: 16 days (1996), 6 years, 64 days (1998-2004)

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was known for his efforts to improve relations with Pakistan and his contributions to the development of infrastructure and technology.

12. H. D. Deve Gowda (1996-1997)

• Tenure: June 1, 1996 – April 21, 1997
• Age When Assumed Office: 63 years, 14 days
• Duration: 324 days

H. D. Deve Gowda’s tenure was marked by coalition politics and attempts to stabilize the government during a period of political fragmentation.

13. Inder Kumar Gujral (1997-1998)

• Tenure: April 21, 1997 – March 19, 1998
• Age When Assumed Office: 77 years, 138 days
• Duration: 332 days

Inder Kumar Gujral is known for his foreign policy initiatives and his efforts to strengthen India’s relations with its neighbors.

14. Manmohan Singh (2004-2014)

• Tenure: May 22, 2004 – May 26, 2014
• Age When Assumed Office: 71 years, 239 days
• Duration: 10 years, 4 days

Manmohan Singh’s tenure was marked by significant economic growth and reforms, including the implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

15. Narendra Modi (2014-Present)

• Tenure: May 26, 2014 – Present
• Age When Assumed Office: 63 years, 251 days
• Duration: 10 years, 87 days (Active PM)

Narendra Modi, currently serving his third term, has focused on economic reforms, digital governance, and infrastructure development. His tenure is noted for significant policy changes and an emphasis on a strong national identity.

Significant Contributions and Achievements

Throughout India’s history, each Prime Minister has made significant contributions that have profoundly impacted the nation’s development. Their achievements span critical areas such as economic reform, social justice, and international diplomacy, shaping India’s progress on the global stage.

Economic Reforms

• Liberalization: Initiated by P. V. Narasimha Rao, leading to economic growth.
• GST Implementation: Achieved during Narendra Modi’s tenure, simplifying the tax structure.

Technological Advancements

• Digital India: Launched under Narendra Modi, focusing on technology and infrastructure.

Social Reforms

• Mandal Commission: Implemented by Vishwanath Pratap Singh, addressing social inequality.
• Green Revolution: Promoted during Indira Gandhi’s first term, boosting agricultural productivity.

Conclusion

The journey of India’s Prime Ministers illustrates the country’s transformation from a fledgling democracy to a significant global force. Each leader, from Jawaharlal Nehru’s foundational policies to the economic reforms initiated by P. V. Narasimha Rao, has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s growth. Their contributions have addressed diverse aspects such as economic liberalization, social justice, and technological advancement, reflecting their responses to both domestic needs and international dynamics.

As India progressed, subsequent Prime Ministers like Indira Gandhi and Narendra Modi furthered the nation’s development through transformative initiatives. Whether it’s the Green Revolution that boosted agricultural productivity or the Digital India campaign enhancing technology infrastructure, each Prime Minister has been instrumental in steering India towards its current stature on the global stage.

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