London, Jul 29 (PTI) Lord Meghnad Desai, renowned British Indian economist and House of Lords peer, died on Tuesday at the age of 85.
He is believed to have passed away in a hospital in Gurugram following a health issue, sources close to the family in London indicated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led tributes to the Gujarat-born parliamentarian and thinker, who played a prominent role in deepening India-UK relations.
"Anguished by the passing away of Shri Meghnad Desai Ji, a distinguished thinker, writer and economist,” Prime Minister Modi posted on social media.
"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 said.
Desai, a Padma Bhushan awardee, taught economics from 1965 to 2003 at the London School of Economics (LSE) and went on to become Emeritus Professor of Economics at the institution. In 1992, he established the Centre for the Study of Global Governance at the LSE and was also the director and founding member of the LSE’s Development Studies Institute.
He joined the Labour Party in 1971 and was elevated to the House of Lords in June 1991 as Lord Desai of St. Clement Danes. 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 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.