List of Prime Minister of India from 1947 to 2024

The List of prime minister of India who were great visionaries in power, supporters of amazing initiatives, and more has been extensive. The Prime Minister holds one of the most important positions in India, as they bear the responsibility for the nation’s overall administration and future development. They represent the country in international organizations, delegations, etc., as the political leader of the government.

Some of the Indian Prime ministers have achieved numerous goals and helped with the development of our country. Starting with Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister, helped India gain independence. The current prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, has helped establish great foreign relationships. 

Jawaharlal Nehru: The Visionary Leader  

Jawaharlal Nehru was the first prime minister of India in the List of prime minister of India. He left for England when he was fifteen. Nehru eventually received an Inner Temple Bar admissions letter. In 1912, he relocated back to India and immediately entered politics. After returning, he became a delegate for the 1912 Bankipore Congress and then the Secretary of the Home Rule League in 1919.

He organised the first Kisan March in the Pratapgarh District. He was also incarcerated twice during the Non-Cooperation Movement from 1920 to 1922. In 1926, the Congress adopted independence as one of its aims, which Nehru influenced. He signed the Nehru Report in 1928 on Indian Constitutional Reform. This organization worked hard for India’s separation from the British Empire.

He played an important role in fighting for the country’s independence. However, his goals for India went beyond just independence. He focused on modernization with the help of scientific and technical progress. His Five-Year Plans for improving infrastructure and increasing employment established him as India’s founding father.

Lal Bahadur Shastri: Leadership During Turbulent Times

Lal Bahadur Shastri was the Second Prime Minister of India in the List of Prime Minister of India and served the country from 1964 to 1966. He managed to lead our country through very difficult times with ease. His time as prime minister of India is mostly remembered because of the 1965 war with Pakistan. The war formally ended in 1966 when the then-Soviet Union mediated an agreement in Tashkent.

After Pakistan attacked India, his slogan, “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan,” was first mentioned in 1965 while he was giving a speech in Delhi. It translates to “Hail to the soldier, Hail to the farmer”. This slogan aimed to raise the morale and enthusiasm of soldiers to fight for our country and to inspire farmers to increase food production to help solve the food scarcity problem. He advocated for the Green Revolution in India in 1965 to increase food production. To promote this, he backed Amul milk in Gujarat. 

First Woman Prime Minister of India: The Iron Lady of India

India’s first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, had a lasting impression on the country’s history. She led India with flair and skill, facing difficult internal and international problems. She declared an Emergency in India every six months for a total of 21 months starting from June 25, 1975.  Throughout this period of emergency, she gave her absolute authority over the country’s political situation.

Indira Gandhi’s government played an important role in the Green Revolution. They introduced new hybrid seeds, subsidised farmers and provided them with water, electricity, and fertiliser. Between 1968 and 1973, the amount of institutional financing available for the agriculture industry was also increased. This was done to ensure food security in India. She also helped with the second phase of Indian Foreign policy from 1966 to 1989. She was known as the “Iron Lady of India” because of her great leadership during the 1971 war and her tough decisions.

Rajiv Gandhi: Youngest Prime Minister of India

Rajiv Gandhi, at the age of 40, became the youngest prime in India. He also became the president of the Congress. He was familiar with politics since childhood because he was the son of Indira Gandhi. During his early years, he lived with his grandparents at her official Teen Murti House residence. When he was young, he had no interest in politics. However, he got into politics after his brother passed away.

After the tragic assassination of his mother, he rose to power as the new prime minister. His main goal as prime minister was to help India advance technologically. His administration tried to modernise the country’s communication system and build the supporting infrastructure in cities and rural areas. Unfortunately, he was assassinated on May 21, 1991, by a suicide bombing. 

Morarji Desai: Oldest Prime Minister of India

Morarji Desai holds the record of being the oldest among the list of Prime Minister of India, leading the nation from 1977 to 1979. Born on February 29, 1896, in Gujarat, Desai’s journey to the top of Indian politics was long and distinguished. He began his political career in the freedom struggle against British rule and later served as Chief Minister of Bombay State and as Deputy Prime Minister under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Desai’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by his commitment to transparency and simplicity in governance. He implemented several reforms aimed at promoting accountability and reducing government corruption. Despite his advanced age, Desai was known for his tireless work ethic and dedication to public service.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee: A Statesman and Orator

Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the 10th in the list of prime minister of India. He was called a statesman because of his efforts to improve our country’s economy. His leadership style was aimed at avoiding conflict. He preferred finding common ground rather than confrontation.

In May 1998, the Indian nuclear tests held in Pokhran succeeded. During Vajpayee’s government, APJ Abdul Kalam oversaw the nuclear tests. Vajpayee had announced that India had conducted 3 underground nuclear tests at Pokhran. However, he also stated that they would follow the “No First Use” policy. He made it clear that nuclear weapons will never be deployed against a non-nuclear state. He also oversaw the Kargil war and the pursuit of peace with Pakistan.

Manmohan Singh: Economic Reforms and Global Diplomacy

Manmohan Singh was comes 13^th in the list of Prime Minister of India. His tenure was the third-longest in our history, lasting from 2004 to 2014. He took over India’s foreign policies after Vajpayee. His approach, however, remained almost unchanged. He had decided to continue Vajpayee’s strategy and build international relations with the USA, China, and Pakistan. 

Under his government, India and the United States signed a civil nuclear deal, which began a new era in their international relations. However, he lost the support of the Indian Left after this deal and India’s consent to place its nuclear plants under IAEA became public. Singh also spoke with three different Pakistani governments and made multiple gestures toward peace during that time.

Current Prime Minister of India: Narendra Modi

Narendra Modi has been India’s Prime Minister since 2014, bringing a dynamic vision for development and transformation. His journey began with the RSS in Gujarat in 1971, and he later joined the BJP in 1985. Rising within the party, Modi became Gujarat’s Chief Minister, where he garnered attention for the Gujarat Model, a development approach he used to propel himself as BJP’s frontrunner in the 2014 elections.

Key Initiatives and Programs Under Modi’s Leadership

Since becoming Prime Minister, Modi has launched ambitious programs that address India’s core challenges. Initiatives like the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the world’s largest cleanliness drive, and Digital India have engaged millions and moved India toward becoming cleaner and more digitally connected. His government has also focused on developing infrastructure through the Smart City Mission, Skill India, and the AMRUT Strategy.

Strengthening India’s Global Relations

Additionally, Modi has strengthened India’s foreign relations, especially with ASEAN and East Asian countries, aligning with India’s Look East strategy.

Challenges and Focus Areas for Modi’s Government

While Modi’s leadership is marked by his public speaking skills, judgment, and rapport-building, his administration faces challenges, including unemployment, economic concerns, and domestic social issues. Despite these, Modi’s tenure reflects a dedication to building a self-sufficient and progressive India.

Also Read :-

List of Prime Minister of Pakistan

Biography of Jawaharlal Nehru: Family, Wife, and More

Facts and List of prime minister of India

List of prime minister of India from 1947 to 2024

The List of prime minister of India list from 1947 to 2024 is given below, showcasing their notable policies, achievements, and challenges:

Prime Minister	Term	Notable Policies, Achievements, and Challenges
Jawaharlal Nehru	1947-1964	Architect of modern India, Five-Year Plans, Non-Aligned Movement
Lal Bahadur Shastri	1964-1966	“Jai Jawan Jai Kisan,” Green Revolution
Indira Gandhi	1966-1977, 1980-1984	Emergency, Green Revolution, Pokhran I
Morarji Desai	1977-1979	Economic reforms, nuclear disarmament
Charan Singh	1979-1980	Agrarian reforms
Rajiv Gandhi	1984-1989	IT revolution, Look East Policy
V.P. Singh	1989-1990	Mandal Commission implementation, economic challenges
Chandra Shekhar	1990-1991	Short tenure, economic reforms
P.V. Narasimha Rao	1991-1996	Economic liberalisation, Look East Policy
Atal Bihari Vajpayee	1996, 1998-2004	Nuclear tests, Kargil War, economic reforms
H.D. Deve Gowda	1996-1997	United Front coalition, economic challenges
I.K. Gujral	1997-1998	Diplomacy with neighbours, coalition politics
Manmohan Singh	2004-2014	Economic reforms, nuclear deal, inclusive growth
Narendra Modi	2014-ongoing	Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Digital India, foreign policy initiatives

List of prime minister of India by Length of Service

This table presents a List of prime minister of India since independence, ranked by the total length of their terms in office:

Rank	Name	Party	Total Years	Longest Continuous Term
1	Jawaharlal Nehru	INC	16.79 years	16.79 years
2	Indira Gandhi	INC/INC(I)/INC(R)	15.95 years	11.16 years
3	Narendra Modi (Current)	BJP	10.04 years (as of 15/07/2024)	10.04 years (as of 15/07/2024)
4	Manmohan Singh	INC	10 years	10 years
5	Atal Bihari Vajpayee	BJP	6.22 years	6.27 years
6	Rajiv Gandhi	INC(I)	5.08 years	5.08 years
7	P. V. Narasimha Rao	INC(I)	4.92 years	4.92 years
8	Morarji Desai	JP	2.36 years	2.36 years
9	Lal Bahadur Shastri	INC	0.73 years	0.73 years
10	Vishwanath Pratap Singh	JD	0.95 years	0.95 years

Notes:

• Party abbreviations: INC (Indian National Congress), BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party), JP (Janata Party), INC(I) (Indian National Congress (Indira Gandhi)), INC(R) (Indian National Congress (Revival))
• Narendra Modi’s term is ongoing as of July 15, 2024. The table reflects his tenure up to that date.

List of Prime Minister of India: Important Facts

Here’s some key facts about the List of Prime Minister of India:

• Jawaharlal Nehru: As India’s first Prime Minister, Nehru played a central role in the independence movement and is often regarded as the architect of modern India. He held the office for 16 years and 286 days, making his tenure the longest in Indian history.
• Indira Gandhi: India’s first female Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi, was a powerful and influential leader known for her significant contributions and strong leadership.
• Charan Singh: A champion for rural communities, Charan Singh was the first Prime Minister elected from a rural constituency. Known for his pro-farmer policies, he worked to support the poorer sections of society.
• Morarji Desai: The first non-Congress Prime Minister, Desai was known for his focus on economic reforms and his commitment to Hindu nationalism.
• Rajiv Gandhi: At 40, Rajiv Gandhi became the youngest Prime Minister of India. His tenure was tragically cut short when he was assassinated by a Sri Lankan suicide bomber in 1991.
• Indira Gandhi (additional fact): She faced a record number of no-confidence motions against her leadership, totaling 15.

These leaders each left a unique legacy that contributed to shaping the country in significant ways.

Roles and Responsibilities of the Prime Minister of India

Appointment of the Prime Minister of India

The appointment of the Prime Minister of India is governed by the constitutional provisions outlined in the Indian Constitution.

• After the Lok Sabha elections, the President of India invites the leader of the majority party or coalition in the Lok Sabha to form the government.
• The leader of the majority party or coalition is then designated as the Prime Minister.
• The Prime Minister-designate submits their resignation to the President, along with the list of ministers who will form the Council of Ministers.
• Upon receiving the resignation, the President appoints the Prime Minister and other ministers, as advised by the Prime Minister.
• The Prime Minister, upon appointment, takes the oath of office and secrecy, marking the official assumption of the role.
• The appointment process ensures the democratic selection of the Prime Minister and the formation of a stable government to carry out the mandate of the people, as reflected in the election results.

Responsibilities of the Prime Minister of India

The Prime Minister of India holds a wide array of responsibilities that are critical to the functioning of the government and the nation as a whole. Here’s a detailed overview:

1. Head of Government: The Prime Minister is the head of the government and holds the highest executive authority in India.

2. Leader of the Council of Ministers: The Prime Minister leads the Council of Ministers, which comprises various ministers heading different government departments.

3. Policy Formulation and Implementation: The Prime Minister is responsible for formulating government policies and ensuring their effective implementation across different sectors.

4. Administration and Governance: The Prime Minister oversees the administration and governance of the country, ensuring the smooth functioning of government machinery and efficient delivery of public services.

5. Cabinet Meetings and Decision Making: The Prime Minister convenes and presides over cabinet meetings where important policy decisions are taken collectively by the council of ministers.

6. Coordination among Ministries: The Prime Minister coordinates the activities of various ministries to ensure coherence and synergy in government policies and programs.

7. National Security and Defense: The Prime Minister plays a crucial role in matters of national security and defense, including decision-making during times of crisis or conflict.

8. Foreign Policy and Diplomacy: The Prime Minister represents India on the international stage and formulates the country’s foreign policy objectives. They engage in diplomatic relations with other countries to promote India’s interests globally.

9. Legislation and Parliamentary Affairs: The Prime Minister participates in parliamentary proceedings, introduces important bills and ordinances, and engages in debates on key legislative matters.

10. Economic Management and Development: The Prime Minister oversees economic policies aimed at promoting growth, reducing poverty, and enhancing the overall welfare of the citizens.

11. Social Welfare and Development: The Prime Minister spearheads initiatives for social welfare and development, including poverty alleviation programs, education reforms, healthcare policies, and infrastructure development projects.

12. Crisis Management and Disaster Response: During emergencies, natural disasters, or other crises, the Prime Minister provides leadership and coordinates government efforts to address the situation and ensure the safety and well-being of the populace.

 Eligibility Criteria of Prime Minister of India

• He or she needs to be an Indian national.
• He or she needs to be a Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha member.
• To serve in the Lok Sabha, he or she must be at least 25 years old, and to serve in the Rajya Sabha, they must be at least 30 years old

Power and Function of Prime Minister

The power and function of the prime minister is quite important. Some of these are:

1. The Prime Minister of India serves as the country’s leader and the head of the Indian government. 
2. One of the most important responsibilities of a Prime Minister is that they are in charge of India’s foreign policy. 
3. They are responsible for the country’s security system. They also help with decision-making during times of conflict.
4. The Prime Minister is the President’s principal adviser.
5. They are in charge of making sure that the armed forces advance technologically. Also, oversee government agencies and initiatives. 

The Tenure, Oath, and Salary of the Prime Minister of India

• The President administers the oaths of office and secrecy to him or her.
• An oath of office is taken by the prime minister to safeguard India’s integrity and sovereignty.
• to faithfully and honestly perform his duties as an official.
• To behave honorably toward all people, without fear or hatred, and per the law and the Constitution.
• The President appoints the Prime Minister, whose term is not set in stone. But as long as the PM has the backing of the majority of Lok Sabha members, the President cannot remove him. If a majority of the Lok Sabha is lost by the Prime Minister then he/she must resign or must be removed by the President of India.
• The Prime Minister’s pay and benefits are periodically set by the Parliament. The PM is paid and benefits are provided on par with members of parliament.

The Relationship between President and Prime Minister of India

• Article 74
  • Explains the presidents and the council of ministers’ relationship. The PM advises the president on a range of issues while acting as the leader of the council.
• Article 75
  • The President appoints the Prime Minister and, upon the PM’s advice, names other ministers.
  • All members of the Council of Ministers answer to the Lok Sabha collectively.
  • The President appoints Ministers to positions of authority.
• Article 78
  • The President is notified by the Prime Minister of the decisions made by the Council of Members. The council of members may also be tasked by the president with discussing certain issues.

Services Received by the Indian Prime Minister

The Indian prime minister IS also eligible for the services listed below.  

• The official residence is called “Panchavati.” 
• Protection via a personal group for enhanced protection.
• Nowadays, the personal vehicle is a BMW 750i.
• An aircraft, ideally operated by Air India.

Conclusion: List of Prime Minister of India

Every person in this List of prime minister of India worked hard to ensure India developed socially, politically, and economically. From Nehru’s vision of modernization to Modi’s initiatives for a better tomorrow, they have all left their mark on history. By taking inspiration from one another in foreign policies and initiatives, they have created a standard for political excellence. Hope this article helps you to learn and understand the List of prime minister of India.

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