The eminent Indian-born British economist Meghnad Desai has died at the age of 85.
Born in Vadodara in 1940, Desai completed his PhD in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1963. He moved to London two years later, becoming a lecturer at the London School of Economics. He later became a professor and then a professor emeritus there.
He is believed to have passed away in a hospital in Gurugram following a health issue, sources close to the family in London indicated.
Desai was nominated to the House of Lords in 1991 as a Labour Party peer. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan by the Indian government in 2008.
He later resigned from the party in 2020 over what he said was the party’s failure to effectively tackle antisemitic racism within its ranks and became a crossbench peer in the House of Lords.
He has written numerous books on economics as well as other subjects. His last work published in 2022 was titled 'The Poverty of Political Economy: How Economics Abandoned the Poor'.
Desai also published a biography of film star Dilip Kumar titled 'Nehru's Hero: Dilip Kumar in the Life of India' in 2004.
PM Narendra Modi condoled Desai's death on social media platform 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."
"He was a dear friend and fellow crossbench colleague, among the first Indian heritage peers in the Lords. He had a great sense of humour and was his own man, always said what he felt, and his was always the most original speech in the House. He was truly iconic, much loved and respected. He will be missed a lot," said Lord Karan Bilimoria.
As founder-trustee of the Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust, Desai worked to raise funds for a statue of Mahatma Gandhi which was inaugurated by then prime minister David Cameron at Parliament Square in London in 2015.
The High Commission of India in London paid tribute to "teacher, scholar, thought leader and great advocate of the enduring friendship between India and the UK".
"Lord Desai's work will be cherished by generations of diplomats, scholars and thought leaders in both countries. His role in the installation of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Parliament Square in London ensures that his legacy will endure," its statement said.
(With inputs from PTI)