Lord Meghnad Desai, a renowned British-Indian economist and House of Lords peer, died on Tuesday, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembering the role he played in deepening India-UK ties while mourning his death.
Desai was 85.
He is believed to have passed away in a hospital in Gurugram following a health issue, sources close to the family in London told The Hindu Business Line.
His wife, Lady Kishwar Desai, was quoted as saying by the newspaper: “I am devastated, as he was my rockstar husband, larger than life. Indestructible. I adored him.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Desai’s death left him “anguished”.
Modi wrote on X: “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.”
Desai was an Indian-born, naturalised British economist and former Labour politician.
He stood unsuccessfully for the position of Lord Speaker in the House of Lords in 2011.
He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in the Republic of India, in 2008.
Desai was active in the British Labour Party, becoming chairman between 1986 and 1992, and was made Honorary Lifetime President of the Islington South and Finsbury Constituency Labour Party in London.
