Eminent economist Lord Meghnad Desai dies, PM Modi condoles death

Indian-born British economist Meghnad Desai passed away at the age of 85 on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled Desai’s death on X, saying, “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.”

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… pic.twitter.com/q1cv3DAXaw

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 29, 2025

Born in Vadodara in 1940, Desai earned his PhD in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1963. He moved to London in 1965, joining the London School of Economics as a lecturer and later becoming a professor and professor emeritus. In 1991, he was appointed to the House of Lords as a Labour Party peer. He received the Padma Bhushan from the Indian government in 2008.