New Delhi

Eminent Indian-born British economist, author, and political thinker Lord Meghnad Desai passed away at the age of 85. Desai, known for his pioneering academic work and political engagement, is believed to have died in a hospital in Gurugram following a health issue, according to sources close to his family in London.

Born in Vadodara in 1940, Desai earned a PhD in economics from the University of Pennsylvania in 1963. He moved to London in 1965, where he began a long association with the London School of Economics, first as a lecturer and later as a professor and professor emeritus.

In 1991, he was nominated to the UK’s House of Lords as a Labour Party peer. He later resigned from the party in 2020, citing its failure to effectively address antisemitism, and continued as a crossbench peer. Desai was conferred the Padma Bhushan by the Indian government in 2008.

Over his distinguished career, Desai authored several influential books on economics, politics, and culture. His most recent work, The Poverty of Political Economy: How Economics Abandoned the Poor, was published in 2022. He also wrote Nehru’s Hero: Dilip Kumar in the Life of India in 2004, blending his interests in politics and cinema.

A strong advocate for India-UK relations, Desai served as founder-trustee of the Gandhi Statue Memorial Trust, which led the effort to install a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Parliament Square in London, unveiled in 2015 by then-Prime Minister David Cameron.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned his passing on social media platform X:
"Anguished by the passing away of Shri Meghnad Desai Ji, a distinguished thinker, writer and economist. He always remained connected to India and Indian culture. He also played a role in deepening India-UK ties... Condolences to his family and friends. Om Shanti."

Anguished by the passing away of Shri Meghnad Desai Ji, a distinguished thinker, writer and economist. 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… pic.twitter.com/q1cv3DAXaw

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 29, 2025

The High Commission of India in London remembered him as a “teacher, scholar, thought leader and great advocate of the enduring friendship between India and the UK,” adding that his legacy would continue through his writings and contributions to public life.

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Lord Meghnad Desai leaves behind a formidable legacy spanning academia, politics, and cultural diplomacy, earning admiration across continents and generations.