When Manmohan Singh headed the finance ministry, it was not only the poor and labour who opposed his economic reforms. In those tumultuous early days, many of India's industrialists, long accustomed to a sheltered environment, argued vehemently against the process of globalisation.

Dr Singh did not, however, lose patience. In his low-key, consensual style, he slowly convinced them that there was no choice but to face competition from around the world, and it would be better off preparing for the eventuality than trying to prevent it.

More than a decade later, bodies like the Confederation of Indian Industry are staunch supporters of the new economic regime.

Photograph: Mohan