• Has got the doctorate in Economics from Oxford University.
• Is an economist by training and has formerly served in the International Monetary Fund.
• Is a low-key politician, enjoying an image as 'squeaky clean'.
• Has worked as a finance minister under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao from 1991 to 1996.
• Was awarded the Outstanding Parliamentarian Award in 2002.
• Has worked as the leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha from 1998 to 2004.
• Has also worked as the governor of Reserve Bank of India from 1982 to 1985.
• Received Padma Vibhushan in 1987.
• Working as a Prime Minister since May, 2004 of the Congress-led Alliance Parties.

NOTE: Due to the characteristics, the actual colors of the above might not be exactly the same as you see on your monitor.