NEW DELHI – Lord Meghnad Desai, an Indian-born economist, well-known author, and important member of the UK House of Lords, died on July 29, 2025, at the age of 85. People from all over the world have sent their condolences after his death. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and well-known British diplomats have both paid tribute to him.
In 1940, Lord Desai was born Meghnad Jagdishchandra Desai in Vadodara. He began his impressive academic career in economics at the University of Mumbai, where he got both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Because he was so smart, he got a scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania. He finished his PhD in economics there in 1963, just three years after he started.
After hearing about his death, Prime Minister Modi was very sad. He remembered Lord Desai’s important contributions to economic philosophy and his important role in improving relations between India and the UK. “Shri Meghnad Desai Ji, a great thinker, writer, and economist, has passed away, and I am really sad about it. He always stayed in touch with India and Indian culture. He also helped strengthen the relationship between India and the UK. I will always remember our talks, when he shared his great ideas. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends. “Om Shanti,” PM Modi wrote on X.
Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India, also sent her sympathies and shared some personal stories. “Lord Desai, rest in peace.” Sending thoughts to Kishwar Desai and all of his family and friends. Cameron said on X, “Such fond memories of watching the UK general election with him last year.”
Christina Scott, the UK’s Deputy High Commissioner to India, also paid tribute and talked about how important Desai was. “So sad to hear that Lord Meghnad Desai died in Delhi this evening. First Indian Labour Party Peer, Professor Emeritus at LSE, famous economist, and author. A strong supporter of ties between the UK and India. “Thoughts of all UK in India with his wife Lady Kishwar and their children,” she wrote on X.
The High Commission of India in London also honored Lord Desai for his hard work to strengthen the links between India and the UK. Their tribute made it clear that his work would continue to inspire diplomats, professors, and thought leaders in both countries for years to come. The High Commission of India in London is very sad to hear that Lord Meghnad Desai has died. A teacher, scholar, and thought leader who was a strong supporter of the long-lasting connection between India and the UK. For years to come, diplomats, scholars, and thought leaders in both countries will value Lord Desai’s efforts. “The installation of a statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Parliament Square in London is a big part of his legacy,” the High Commission’s post on X said.
In 1991, Lord Desai became the first Indian-origin peer from the Labour Party to join the UK House of Lords. He was a Professor Emeritus at the London School of Economics (LSE), where he was well-known for his deep scholarly work and smart policy assessments. His death symbolizes the end of an era for someone who made a big difference in both academia and public service and international diplomacy.