How many ex-prime ministers are still alive

As of February 2026, there are two living individuals who have served as Prime Minister of India: Dr. Manmohan Singh, who served from 2004 to 2014 for two consecutive terms leading the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, and Narendra Modi, who is currently serving his third term after being elected in 2014, 2019, and 2024. Dr. Manmohan Singh is an economist by training and was the architect of India's economic liberalization reforms in 1991 as Finance Minister before becoming Prime Minister. He is currently in his 90s and has reduced his public appearances significantly, though he remains a Rajya Sabha member.

All other former Prime Ministers have passed away, including Atal Bihari Vajpayee who died in 2018, Inder Kumar Gujral in 2012, P.V. Narasimha Rao in 2004, and earlier leaders going back to independence. The small number of living former Prime Ministers is partly due to the office having been held by a limited number of individuals over India's history, with several serving multiple terms, and partly because many served decades ago and have since passed away. Having living former Prime Ministers can provide valuable institutional memory and perspective on governance, though their active involvement in politics varies—some remain engaged with their parties or offer occasional commentary, while others retreat from public life. The presence of experienced former leaders can be beneficial for democratic discourse and national decision-making during crisis situations.