List of prime ministers of India: 1947 to 2024

India has had a series of Prime Ministers since its independence in 1947. Each Prime Minister has played a unique role in shaping the country’s destiny through various policies, initiatives, and reforms. Below is a summary list of all the Prime Ministers of India, their tenures, and notable achievements during their terms.

List of prime ministers of India

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1. Jawaharlal Nehru (1947-1964): India’s first Prime Minister, Nehru’s tenure focused on building a modern secular state, establishing the planning commission, and non-alignment policy internationally.
2. Gulzarilal Nanda (1964; 1966): Served twice as Acting Prime Minister. His tenures were brief and focused on maintaining stability after Nehru’s death and later after Lal Bahadur Shastri’s death.
3. Lal Bahadur Shastri (1964-1966): Promoted the White Revolution – a national campaign to increase the production and supply of milk – and gave the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan” emphasizing the importance of soldiers and farmers.
4. Indira Gandhi (1966-1977; 1980-1984): India’s first and, to date, only female Prime Minister. Notable for the Green Revolution, 1971 India-Pakistan War leading to Bangladesh’s independence, and imposing the Emergency (1975-1977).
5. Morarji Desai (1977-1979): He led the government formed by the Janata Party, emphasizing policies that promoted civil liberties and democracy following the Emergency period.
6. Charan Singh (1979-1980): His tenure was marked by efforts to promote the welfare of the rural population and farmers.
7. Rajiv Gandhi (1984-1989): Focused on leading India into the information technology age, expanding economic reforms, and improving relations with the United States and Pakistan.
8. Vishwanath Pratap Singh (1989-1990): Known for his decision to implement the Mandal Commission report recommending reservations for OBCs in government jobs and educational institutions.
9. Chandra Shekhar (1990-1991): A short tenure characterized by managing the nation’s economic crisis and political instability.
10. P.V. Narasimha Rao (1991-1996): Initiated economic liberalization and reforms that opened the Indian economy, reducing government control on foreign trade and investment.
11. Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1996; 1998-2004): His government is known for nuclear tests in 1998, major infrastructure projects, and efforts towards improving Indo-Pakistani relations.
12. H.D. Deve Gowda (1996-1997): Prioritized the development of the rural sector and tried to improve the infrastructure.
13. I.K. Gujral (1997-1998): Known for the “Gujral Doctrine” in India’s foreign policy, focusing on strengthening relations with India’s neighbors.
14. Manmohan Singh (2004-2014): His tenure saw continued economic reforms, the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, and significant growth in the IT and services sectors.
15. Narendra Modi (2014 to present year 2024): His government has focused on major initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, and the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). His tenure has also seen significant efforts towards improving sanitation through the Swachh Bharat mission and changes in foreign policy with a focus on the “Neighborhood First” policy.