Eminent economist Lord Meghnad Desai passes away, PM Modi expresses condolence

Meghnad Desai passes away at 84 (Image: X/@narendramodi)

Meghnad Desai, renowned economist, author and House of Lords member known for his deep Indian roots, passed away at the age of 84.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolence at his passing away sharing a photo from his X account.

“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.

Economist and member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council Sanjeev Sanyal aslo shared his message on X.

“Very sorry to hear that eminent economist Meghnad Desai has passed away. I had known him for over two decades. He was always cheerful and open to new ideas. I will cherish the many long discussions and debates that we had over the years. Om Shanti,” Sanyal wrote.

Two months ago, the Indian-origin British MP Desai had called on the government of India to "take over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK)" to resolve the longstanding "Kashmir issue", following the Pakistan-sponsored Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 innocent civilians.

Desai, was an ex-Labour MP and economist. He also said India must respond "absolutely forcefully" to ensure the culprits are punished and such acts never recur.

He had called the Pahalgam terror attack "an incredibly cruel one”, adding that the “only way to solve the Kashmir problem now is for India to go and take POK over.

“We have the accession letter of the king. So it belongs to us," Desai, who was in Delhi then, had told news agency ANI.

Desai, who was a member of the UK Parliament's House of Lords, stepped down as a member of the Labour Party over racism in 2020.