Who was Meghnad Desai? Celebrated economist, LSE Professor Emeritus, and lifelong Labour Party voice who shaped global economics and British politics dies at 85

Meghnad Desai dies at 85—marking the end of an extraordinary life devoted to ideas, reforms, and bridging the worlds of economics, politics, and academia across India and the United Kingdom. Lord Meghnad Desai, the Indian-origin economist and member of the UK’s House of Lords, passed away in London on July 29, 2025, leaving behind a rich intellectual legacy and decades of influence in public policy, education, and international relations.

Known for his sharp insights, independent views, and relentless pursuit of truth, Desai was more than just a celebrated economist—he was a thinker who challenged orthodoxies and influenced generations of leaders, students, and scholars.

Early life in India shaped his global vision

Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, on July 10, 1940, Meghnad Jagdishchandra Desai grew up in a culturally rich and academically inclined family. His early years were shaped by a deep curiosity about social and economic inequality—something that would later define his work.

He completed his graduation in economics from the University of Mumbai, before pursuing his PhD at the University of Pennsylvania. Under the guidance of prominent economists, Desai developed an early interest in development theory and macroeconomics, especially focused on underdeveloped economies and the structural forces behind poverty and inequality.

Academic legacy at London School of Economics

One of Meghnad Desai’s most lasting contributions came during his time at the London School of Economics (LSE). Joining the LSE faculty in 1965, he became one of the most respected voices in global economic circles. In 1983, he was promoted to Professor of Economics, and later became Professor Emeritus after retiring in 2003.

Desai also founded the Centre for the Study of Global Governance at LSE in 1992, a pioneering institution that focused on international development, post-colonial state transitions, and global power dynamics. His academic work bridged classical economics, Marxian theory, and real-world applications of development economics.

Students remember him not just as a professor but as a mentor who encouraged critical thinking and embraced multiple ideological lenses. His classes became hubs for discussions on capitalism, socialism, public finance, and policy-making in emerging economies.

Entry into UK politics and the house of lords

In 1991, Desai was elevated to the UK peerage and became Lord Desai of St Clement Danes, entering the House of Lords. His entry into British politics was significant—not just as a symbolic win for Indian-origin thinkers in the West, but as a practical platform for voicing economic and human development concerns at the highest levels.

Initially aligned with the Labour Party, Desai held various local leadership roles, including Chair of the Islington South and Finsbury constituency from 1986 to 1992. However, in later years, he moved to the crossbenches to maintain his ideological independence and speak more freely on issues like socialism, economic inequality, and international cooperation.

His interventions in the House of Lords were often focused on India-UK relations, development funding, immigration policies, and the impact of globalization on marginalized communities.

A prolific author and a fearless economic thinker

Throughout his life, Meghnad Desai remained a prolific writer and speaker. He authored more than a dozen books and published over 200 scholarly articles. His writings touched on a wide array of themes—from global capitalism and Marxist theory to Bollywood’s role in shaping national identity.

Some of his most well-known works include:

• Marxian Economic Theory (1973)
  
  
• Marx's Revenge: The Resurgence of Capitalism and the Death of Statist Socialism (2002)
  
  
• India Grows at Night: A Liberal Case for a Strong State (2013)
  
  
• Nehru’s Hero: Dilip Kumar in the Life of India (2013)
  
  

These books are not just academic texts—they are reflections of a deeply curious mind trying to understand the interplay of markets, governments, and human behavior.

Desai was also a regular columnist for global newspapers and magazines, frequently writing about Indian politics, economic reforms, and the challenges of globalization.

How Meghnad Desai’s work impacted India-UK relations

Lord Desai played a crucial role in strengthening India-UK diplomatic and intellectual ties. While he lived most of his life in the UK, he remained deeply connected to India—commenting on its politics, advising policymakers, and participating in key public debates.

His analysis of India’s liberalization journey in the 1990s, his support for policy reforms, and his balanced views on nationalism and globalization made him a go-to voice for both Indian and British media.

Desai believed in the potential of democratic capitalism to deliver inclusive growth—provided it was backed by strong institutions and social safety nets. This made him a moderate voice amid rising populism on both ends of the ideological spectrum.

Accolades and awards that celebrated his global contributions

In 2008, the Government of India awarded Lord Meghnad Desai the Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian honor, in recognition of his service in public affairs and economics.

In addition, he received honorary doctorates from several international universities and held advisory roles in major global organizations, including the United Nations and World Bank.

Despite all his accolades, Desai remained approachable and deeply engaged in public life—often found debating on television panels, participating in student conferences, and writing columns that simplified complex issues.

Meghnad Desai’s death and the wave of tributes

Lord Meghnad Desai passed away in London on July 29, 2025, at the age of 85. While the cause of death was not publicly disclosed, reports suggest he passed peacefully surrounded by family.

His death triggered a wave of heartfelt tributes from across the world. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called him a “distinguished thinker and reformer” and praised his lifelong effort to deepen India-UK relations.

Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan remembered him as a "fearless intellect who always asked the uncomfortable questions." Academics and students from around the world shared memories of his generosity, clarity, and relentless curiosity.

Meghnad Desai’s life defied labels. He was a Marxist who praised market reforms. A British parliamentarian who deeply loved India. An academic who spoke like a journalist. A professor who never stopped learning.

His greatest legacy is not just in the books he wrote or the speeches he delivered—but in his fearless commitment to truth, reason, and intellectual freedom.

Why meghnad desai’s legacy still matters today

As the world grapples with rising inequality, fragile democracies, and the clash of ideologies, Meghnad Desai’s voice remains more relevant than ever. He believed in bridging extremes, in listening more than shouting, and in putting people at the center of economic thinking.

His life was a shining example of how ideas—when rooted in empathy and courage—can shape the destiny of nations.

FAQs:

Q1: When did Meghnad Desai die and how old was he?
Meghnad Desai died on July 29, 2025, at the age of 85.

Q2: Why was Meghnad Desai famous?
He was a world-renowned economist, author, and House of Lords member known for his work in development economics and India-UK relations.