Longest-serving finance ministers of India

P. Chidambaram

P. Chidambaram served as India's Finance Minister for seven years, leading key economic reforms from 1997-1998, 2004-2008, and 2012-2014, strengthening India's financial sector. Credit: BCCL

Morarji Desai

Morarji Desai was a prominent figure in Indian politics, and also served as Finance Minister for seven years, overseeing economic policies from 1958-1963 and 1967-1969, known for his austere measures. Credit: BCCL

Yashwant Sinha

Yashwant Sinha served as Finance Minister from 1998 to 2004, implementing significant reforms that modernised India's economy, including the introduction of the fiscal responsibility law. Credit: BCCL

Manmohan Singh

Manmohan Singh former prime Minister and a visionary economist, served as Finance Minister from 1991-1996 and 2008-2009, and introduced the liberalisation policies that transformed India's economy. Credit: BCCL

C. D. Deshmukh

C. D. Deshmukh, India's first Indian Governor of the Reserve Bank, served as Finance Minister from 1950-1956, laying the foundation for India's financial infrastructure. Credit: BCCL

Nirmala Sitharaman

Nirmala Sitharaman has been serving as India's Finance Minister since 2019 under the Modi government, focusing on economic reforms, budgetary policies, and navigating the post-pandemic economic recovery. Credit: BCCL

Arun Jaitley

Arun Jaitley served as Finance Minister from 2014-2019, introducing landmark reforms like GST and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, enhancing India's economic landscape. Credit: BCCL

Pranab Mukherjee

Ex-president of India Pranab Mukherjee served as finance minister with tenures from 1982-1984 and 2009-2012, played a crucial role in shaping India's fiscal policies and navigating economic challenges during his term. Credit: BCCL