Manmohan Singh ( [ mənˈmoːɦən ˈsɪ́ŋɡ ] ; born 26 September 1932 ) is an Indian economist and politician who served as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014 . The first Sikh in office , Singh was also the first prime minister since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full five-year term . In 2008 , opposition to a historic civil nuclear agreement with the United States nearly caused Singh 's government to fall after Left Front parties withdrew their support . The 2009 general election saw the UPA return with an increased mandate , with Singh retaining the office of Prime Minister . Pamulaparti Venkata Narasimha Rao ( 28 June 1921 -- 23 December 2004 ) ( Telugu : పి.వి.నరసింహ రావు ) was an Indian lawyer and politician who served as the 9th Prime Minister of India , from 1991 -- 1996 .
Manmohan Singh was the first Sikh in office in 2009.