Top 16 Prime Ministers of India 1974-2024

India is described in the Constitution as a Sovereign, Socialist, Democratic Republic. The Constitution establishes an elected head of state—the President of India—to ensure that the goal of establishing India as a republic is achieved. The leader of the Indian government and the most powerful member of the cabinet is the Prime Minister. Therefore, the prime ministers of India serve as the head of state, the cornerstone of the cabinet, and the compass for the executive branch.

Although the Constitution establishes the office of the President, gives him complete executive authority, and designates him as the chief executive head of the State, the Prime Minister’s office continues to hold the true center of power. The President will appoint the Prime Minister and other ministers of India on the Prime Minister’s recommendation. If the Lok Sabha has confidence in the Prime Minister, that person holds onto that position.

List of Prime Ministers of India: Overview

The most powerful post in the entire political system, the Indian Prime Minister occupies an admirable position. The following list of points is crucial :

• India’s initial Prime Minister was Jawaharlal Nehru. Additionally, he has served as prime minister of India for the longest.
• Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was the country’s first female leader.
• As India’s youngest prime minister, Rajiv Gandhi was sworn into office.
• Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is the nation’s first Sikh.
• The Prime Minister of India currently is Narendra Damodardas Modi.

Prime Ministers of India List 1947 to 2024

The table below contains a list of every Indian prime minister from 1947 to 2022:

Name of the Indian Prime Minister	Period
Jawahar Lal Nehru	15th August 1947 to 27th May 1964
Gulzarilal Nanda	27th May 1964 to 9th June 1964
Lal Bahadur Shastri	9th June 1964 to 11th January 1966
Gulzarilal Nanda	11th January 1966 to 24th January 1966
Indira Gandhi	24th January 1966 to 24th March 1977
Morarji Desai	24th March 1977 to 28th July 1979
Charan Singh	28th July 1979 to 14th January 1980
Indira Gandhi	14th January 1980 to 31st October 1984
Rajiv Gandhi	31st October 1984 to 02nd December 1989
Vishwanath Pratap Singh	2nd December 1989 to 10th November 1990
Chandra Shekhar	10th November 1990 to 21st June, 1991
P. V. Narasimha Rao	21st Jun 1991 to 16th May 1996
Atal Bihari Vajpayee	16th May 1996 to 1st June 1996
H. D. Deve Gowda	1st June 1996 to 21st April 1997
Atal Bihari Vajpayee	19th March 1998 to 22nd May 2004
Dr. Manmohan   Singh	22nd May 2004 to 26th May 2014
Narendra Damodardas Modi	26th May 2014 to Present

List of Indian Prime Ministers  (from Most Recent to Earliest)

Narendra Damodardas Modi: Current Indian Prime Minister (From 2014- Present)

Modi, who was born on September 17, 1950, won the May 2014 election for prime minister of India. He is the head of one of India’s two main political parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He serves as both the chairman of the Council of Ministers and the Speaker of the Lower House or Lok Sabha. The 14th Prime Minister of India is Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dr. Manmohan Singh (2004-2014)

Manmohan Singh is an economist, bureaucrat, and politician of India. From 2004 to 2014, he presided as India’s thirteenth prime minister. In addition to being the first Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after serving a full five-year term, Dr. Singh is also the first Sikh to hold the position. His sixth term in the Rajya Sabha is now in effect.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1996, 1998-99, 1999-2004)

A famous leader, Atal Bihari Vajpayee held the position of the prime minister of India for three terms: from 1996 for 13 days, from 1998 to 1999 for 13 months, and from 1999 to 2004 for a full term. The oratory abilities of Atal Bihari Vajpayee were well-known. He was a compassionate leader as well as a poet. Generations of Indians have been motivated to enter public service by his outstanding leadership and eloquence.

Inder Kumar Gujral (1997-1998)

I.K. Gujral, who took part in the Quit India Movement under Gandhi’s leadership, held the position of 12th Prime Minister of India for a brief while between April 21, 1997, to March 19, 1998. His Gujral Doctrine, a foreign policy based on India’s unilateral diplomatic outreach to its neighbours without expecting a response, is what people remember him for. Gujral held the position of Minister of External Affairs.

HD Deve Gowda (1996-1997)

Haradanahalli Doddegowda Deve Gowda is an Indian politician who served as prime minister from June 1996 to April 1997. Before this, he served as Karnataka’s 14th Chief Minister from 1994 to 1996. He is the National President of the Janata Dal (Secular) party, and he represents the Hassan constituency in Karnataka in the 16th Lok Sabha.

PV Narasimha Rao (1991-1996)

A politician and lawyer from India, PV Narasimha Rao presided as India’s ninth prime minister from 1991 to 1996. He oversaw significant economic development, a significant administration, and several domestic events that compromised India’s national security. He is often known as the “Father of Indian Economic Reforms.”

Chandra Shekhar (1990-1991)

The eighth Prime Minister of India was Chandra Shekhar. He was a well-known socialist politician who was crucial to the nationalization of banks. Mr. Shekahr was well recognized for acting in opposition to the majority in the House and serving as the voice of the poor and oppressed in parliament. He made an effort to help the weak and promoted social reform, and for that, he will always be remembered.

VP Singh (1989-1990)

Vishwanath Pratap Singh, also known as V. P. Singh, was a politician from India who served as the country’s seventh prime minister from 1989 to 1990 as well as the 41st Raja Bahadur of Manda. When Vishwanath Pratap Singh delivered the budget, the Indian economy was booming. In addition to overseeing the end of the inspector raj, he increased income tax exemption limits and cut direct taxes for businesses.

Rajiv Gandhi : Youngest Indian Prime Minister(1984-89)

Rajiv Gandhi became the sixth prime minister of India from 1984 to 1989. The youngest Indian Prime Minister established a modern India and fundamentally altered it. He made serious attempts to lead the nation into the twenty-first century. He was the one who understood the pulse of a nascent India and guided it toward a better future.

Chaudhary Charan Singh (1979-80)

The leader of the farmers’ movement, Chaudhary Charan Singh, served as prime minister from July 28, 1979, to January 14, 1980. Mr. Singh put a lot of effort into the welfare of Indian farmers and put up several charity programs. He was a fantastic leader and a man of the highest character. He genuinely cared about the farmers and put in great effort to lift them.

Morarji Ranchhodji Desai (1977-1979)

Morarji Ranchhodji Desai presided over India as its fourth prime minister. He was an outstanding reformer, institution builder, and social worker. He served as the premier of the Janata Party’s government. In 1930, he became a member of the Civil Disobedience Campaign and actively took part in the freedom movement. Morarji Desai was regarded as a man of values who, for many years, stood ramrod straight in Indian politics

Indira Gandhi (1966-1977, 1980-1984): Only Indian Female Prime Minister

The second-longest term as prime minister was held by Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi, the first and only female prime minister of India. She was a prominent member of the Indian National Congress and an Indian politician. She was chosen to serve as India’s third prime minister in 1966. Every Indian will always remember her for her unwavering bravery and devotion to the country.

Gulzarilal Nanda (1964, 1966)

A politician and economist from India with a focus on labour issues, Gulzari Lal Nanda became Prime Minister after the passing of Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1966 and Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964. He served as prime minister of India for two brief terms. In 1997, he received the highest civilian honour in India, the Bharat Ratna.

Lal Bahadur Shastri (1964-1966)

Lal Bahadur Srivastava often referred to as Lal Bahadur Shastry, is regarded as one of India’s greatest leaders and liberation warriors. In 1964, following Jawaharlal Nehru’s passing, he became India’s second prime minister. Known as a wise man with great fame, he served as the home minister and the minister of external affairs during a selfless, spotless career.

Jawaharlal Nehru (1947-1964): First Indian Prime Minister

The country of India’s first prime minister was Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. He was an important person in India around the middle of the 20th century. Jawaharlal Nehru was an anti-colonial patriot, secular humanist, social democrat, and also author. In the 1930s and 1940s, Nehru played a key role in leading the Indian nationalist movement.

Now you know all about the prime ministers of India. The Positon of Indian Prime Minister is one of lot of responsibility, duties and power. To check out the list of Presidents of India. Click Here

International Relations of Prime Ministers of India

Jawaharlal Nehru

• Foreign Policies: Nehru was the architect of India’s foreign policy after independence. He co-founded the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM), which aimed to keep India neutral during the Cold War, avoiding alliances with either the US or the Soviet Union. He also signed the Panchsheel Agreement with China, which was based on five principles of peaceful coexistence.
• Achievements: Nehru positioned India as a leader among newly independent nations in Asia and Africa. His diplomatic efforts promoted peace and cooperation in these regions.
• Challenges: His biggest challenge was the Sino-Indian War of 1962, which led to a strained relationship with China.

Indira Gandhi

• Foreign Policies: Indira Gandhi played a crucial role in the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971 by supporting East Pakistan’s fight for independence, leading to the creation of Bangladesh. She also developed strong ties with the Soviet Union.
• Achievements: Her most notable success was India’s victory in the 1971 war, which led to Bangladesh’s independence. She also signed a friendship treaty with the Soviet Union, boosting India’s defense capabilities.
• Challenges: Relations with the US were strained, particularly during the Cold War, due to India’s close ties with the Soviet Union.

Atal Bihari Vajpayee

• Foreign Policies: Vajpayee is known for conducting nuclear tests in 1998, declaring India a nuclear power. He also made a historic peace effort by taking a bus journey to Lahore, Pakistan, to improve relations.
• Achievements: Under his leadership, India became a recognized nuclear power, and he initiated peace talks with Pakistan through the Lahore Summit.
• Challenges: His tenure faced the Kargil War with Pakistan in 1999, just after peace talks had begun.

Narendra Modi

• Foreign Policies: Modi introduced the Act East Policy, aiming to strengthen ties with Southeast Asian nations, and the Neighborhood First Policy, which focused on improving relations with India’s immediate neighbors. He has also increased India’s presence on global platforms like the G20 and BRICS.
• Achievements: Modi enhanced India’s global partnerships, particularly with the US, Japan, and Australia. He successfully hosted the G20 Summit in New Delhi, putting India in the global spotlight.
• Challenges: Managing the complex relationship with China, especially after border conflicts, has been a significant challenge. He also has to carefully balance India’s relations with both the US and Russia amid global tensions.

Each Prime Minister has left a unique mark on India’s international standing, contributing to its role as a major global player, while also dealing with various diplomatic hurdles.

Challenges and Controversies of Prime Ministers of India

Emergency Period Under Indira Gandhi

Background:

• Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi, declared the Emergency on June 25, 1975, which lasted until March 21, 1977.
• It was declared due to internal disturbances and perceived threats to national security.

Key Actions and Policies:

• Suspension of Civil Liberties: People’s basic rights were taken away, and many political opponents were arrested.
• Press Censorship: The government, under the leadership of the Minister of India, controlled the media, making sure only certain information was shared.
• Forced Sterilization Campaign: A controversial population control campaign, led by Sanjay Gandhi, received heavy criticism and became one of the darkest moments during this time.

Challenges and Controversies:

• Political Repression: Over 100,000 people, including opposition leaders, were imprisoned, sparking a huge outcry against the actions of the Minister of India.
• Judicial Manipulation: The government influenced the courts to support its decisions.
• Public Backlash: The Emergency is often called a dark period in India’s democracy, and it led to a major loss of trust in Indira Gandhi’s leadership as the Prime Minister of India.

Economic Crises and Responses

Economic Crisis of 1991:

• Background: India faced a severe financial crisis, with almost no money left in foreign reserves. P.V. Narasimha Rao, who was Prime Minister of India at the time, took decisive steps to resolve the crisis.
• Response by P.V. Narasimha Rao:
  • Economic Liberalization: The Minister of India opened up India’s economy by reducing restrictions on imports, allowing foreign companies to invest in India, and encouraging free-market policies.
  • Currency Devaluation: India lowered the value of its currency (rupee) and reduced government spending to stabilize the economy.

Global Financial Crisis of 2008:

• Background: The global financial meltdown affected India’s economy, leading to slower growth and a drop in exports. Manmohan Singh, then Prime Minister of India, responded with strong measures.
• Response by Manmohan Singh:
  • Stimulus Packages: The Minister of India spent money to boost demand, especially in areas like infrastructure and banking.
  • Lower Interest Rates: The Reserve Bank of India, supported by the Ministers of India, made borrowing easier by reducing interest rates, encouraging more investment.

COVID-19 Pandemic Economic Impact:

• Background: The pandemic caused huge disruptions in the economy, with lockdowns shutting down businesses and millions losing jobs. Narendra Modi, the current Prime Minister of India, took swift action.
• Response by Narendra Modi:
  • Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: The Minister of India launched the “Self-Reliant India” campaign, providing financial support to small businesses, agriculture, and healthcare.
  • Direct Benefit Transfers: The government, led by the Prime Minister of India, provided cash and food directly to people who were struggling, especially the poor.

These examples highlight how different Ministers of India have managed crises through various strategies, with each Prime Minister of India responding to the unique challenges of their time.

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