List of Prime Ministers of India 1947-2025, Tenure, achievements with full details

Get the updated list of Prime Ministers of India from 1947 to 2025 with their tenure, major achievements, political party, and historical significance. A complete guide for GK and competitive exams.

List of Prime Ministers of India

India has seen a series of dynamic leaders as Prime Ministers since its independence in 1947. Each PM has contributed uniquely to the growth, development, and global recognition of the nation.

Here’s a detailed list of Indian Prime Ministers, their tenure, political affiliations, and key achievements.

Jawaharlal Nehru (1947–1964)

• Party: Indian National Congress
• Tenure: 15 August 1947 – 27 May 1964
• Achievements:
  • Architect of modern India
  • Founded IITs, AIIMS, and ISRO groundwork
  • Introduced Five-Year Plans for economic development
  • Non-Aligned Movement co-founder

Gulzarilal Nanda (Interim PM)

• Tenure: Twice (1964 & 1966)
• Achievements:
  • Held charge after Nehru’s and Shastri’s death
  • Managed political transition smoothly

Lal Bahadur Shastri (1964–1966)

• Party: Indian National Congress
• Achievements:
  • Gave the slogan “Jai Jawan Jai Kisan”
  • Led India to a strong victory in the 1965 war with Pakistan.
  • Promoted White Revolution (milk production boost)

Indira Gandhi (1966–1977, 1980–1984)

• Party: Indian National Congress
• Achievements:
  • First woman Prime Minister of India
  • Nationalized banks
  • Led India during the 1971 Indo-Pak war (creation of Bangladesh)
  • Imposed Emergency (1975–77)

Morarji Desai (1977–1979)

• Party: Janata Party
• Achievements:
  • First non-Congress PM
  • Promoted anti-corruption and simplicity
  • Restored democracy post-Emergency

Charan Singh (1979–1980)

• Party: Janata Party (Secular)
• Achievements:
  • Focused on farmers’ welfare
  • Shortest PM tenure due to lack of majority

Rajiv Gandhi (1984–1989)

• Party: Indian National Congress
• Achievements:
  • Youngest PM of India (age 40)
  • Boosted telecom and IT sectors
  • Introduced Panchayati Raj system reforms

Vishwanath Pratap Singh (1989–1990)

• Party: Janata Dal
• Achievements:
  • Implemented Mandal Commission report (OBC reservation)
  • Anti-corruption stance

Chandra Shekhar (1990–1991)

• Party: Samajwadi Janata Party
• Achievements:
  • Handled Gulf War oil crisis
  • Government collapsed within months

P. V. Narasimha Rao (1991–1996)

• Party: Indian National Congress
• Achievements:
  • Liberalized Indian economy
  • Opened doors to globalization
  • Strengthened foreign relations

Atal Bihari Vajpayee (1996, 1998–2004)

• Party: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
• Achievements:
  • Conducted Pokhran-II nuclear tests
  • Promoted highway and telecom growth
  • Started PMGSY (rural roads) and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

H. D. Deve Gowda (1996–1997)

• Party: Janata Dal
• Achievements:
  • Promoted agriculture and federal governance
  • Represented India internationally with dignity

I. K. Gujral (1997–1998)

• Party: Janata Dal
• Achievements:
  • Introduced Gujral Doctrine in foreign policy
  • Focused on India’s relations with neighbors

Dr. Manmohan Singh (2004–2014)

• Party: Indian National Congress
• Achievements:
  • Architect of 1991 economic reforms
  • Managed economy during global recession (2008)
  • Launched MGNREGA, RTI Act

Narendra Modi (2014–Present, as of 2025)

• Party: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
• Achievements:
  • Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Digital India, UPI expansion
  • Abrogation of Article 370 (Jammu & Kashmir)
  • Infrastructure growth: highways, railways, airports
  • Leadership during COVID-19 pandemic
  • India’s rise as a global economic and strategic power

Also Read: List of Indian Vice Presidents from 1950 to 2025, Updated list with full details

Evolution of Leadership in Independent India

India’s leadership journey reflects the country’s political, social, and economic transformation. From Nehru’s vision of industrial and scientific progress to Modi’s focus on digital governance and global diplomacy, each Prime Minister shaped India’s identity in unique ways.

The shift from Congress dominance to coalition politics and then to a strong majority era highlights how Indian democracy matured over decades, adapting to citizens’ aspirations and changing global dynamics.

Role of the Prime Minister in Nation Building

The Prime Minister is the driving force behind India’s governance and policy direction. As the head of the government, the PM formulates national policies, represents India globally, and ensures smooth coordination between ministries.

Effective leadership decisions, from economic reforms to social welfare programs, directly influence the nation’s growth trajectory. A visionary Prime Minister not only manages present challenges but also lays the foundation for India’s future development and international standing.

Summary

Each Prime Minister has left a mark on India’s progress and direction. From economic reforms to global diplomacy, each leader left a legacy. Understanding their contributions is vital for students, aspirants, and every Indian citizen.

Also Check: General Knowledge