List of Prime Ministers of India (1947–2025) Tenure, achievements & Full details

List of Prime Ministers of India (1947–2025) Tenure, achievements & Full details.

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

Final Thoughts

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.