Veteran BBC correspondent and author Mark Tully, widely known as the broadcaster’s “voice of India”, died at the age of 90, the BBC confirmed on Sunday
Mark Tully passed away in New Delhi on Sunday. Pic/X/@Pawankhera
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress and other political leaders on Sunday expressed grief over the death of veteran journalist Mark Tully and hailed him as a towering voice of journalism.
Veteran BBC correspondent Mark Tully, widely known as the broadcaster’s “voice of India”, died at the age of 90, the BBC confirmed on Sunday.
He passed away in New Delhi, the city that remained his home for much of his life.
"Saddened by the passing of Sir Mark Tully, a towering voice of journalism. His connect with India and the people of our nation was reflected in his works," the prime minister said in a post on X.
"His reporting and insights have left an enduring mark on public discourse. Condolences to his family, friends and many admirers," Modi said.
Tully, 90, breathed his last in a Delhi hospital on Sunday afternoon.
Saddened by the passing of Sir Mark Tully, a towering voice of journalism. His connect with India and the people of our nation was reflected in his works. His reporting and insights have left an enduring mark on public discourse. Condolences to his family, friends and many…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 25, 2026
Born in India in 1935 during British rule, Tully built both his personal life and professional career in the country.
Over the decades, he became one of the most recognised foreign journalists in India, respected for his deep understanding of the region and its people.
Congress leader expresses grief
Congress leader Pawan Khera on Sunday paid tribute to Mark Tully, recalling his lasting influence on generations of Indians who grew up listening to his voice and reading his books.
In a message shared on social media, Khera said many, including himself, had grown up with Tully’s journalism and later found a deeper connection to him. He noted that he came to live in the same locality where Tully had resided for years, a place the journalist had grown to love.
Describing Tully as a respected figure in Indian public life, Khera bid him farewell, saying, “Travel well, Padma Shri Sir Mark Tully,” and expressed his condolences following the veteran journalist’s passing.
Many like me, grew up listening to his voice, reading his books. I ended up living in the very locality in which he lived for years and fell in love with.
— Pawan Khera 🇮🇳 (@Pawankhera) January 25, 2026
Travel well, Padma Shri Sir Mark Tully. #RIP pic.twitter.com/uV8ROeaEYh
Congress leader Supriya Shrinate also expressed grief and wrote on X, "Sad to hear about the passing of veteran journalist and author Mark Tully. A delightful man and a journalist who told the story like very few others did. Deep condolences."
Mamata Banerjee condoles death of Tully
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday expressed grief over his death. In a post on social media, she described Tully as a celebrated newsman who was deeply connected to India and regarded as one of the country’s own.
Recalling his long association with India, Banerjee said the Calcutta-born journalist worked with the BBC to cover the country and had a deep affection for its people and culture. She added that he was admired by generations of viewers.
Saddened by the demise of the famous journalist Mark Tully. The Calcutta-born newsman worked for BBC to cover India, and he famously loved India to embrace India. We saw him as one of our own.
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) January 25, 2026
My condolences to his family, friends and countless admirers.
The Chief Minister extended her condolences to Tully’s family, friends and his many admirers, mourning the loss of a respected voice in journalism.
Hardeep Singh Puri pays tribute to Tully
Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also expressed sorrow over Tully's death, remembering him as a voice that defined news for generations across the Indian subcontinent.
In a message shared on social media, Puri said Tully’s calm and distinctive voice had become synonymous with credible journalism. He noted that as the BBC’s long-serving correspondent and bureau chief in India, the Kolkata-born journalist reported on many of the most significant moments in the region’s history.
Deeply saddened by the demise of the celebrated journalist and author Mark Tully.
— Hardeep Singh Puri (@HardeepSPuri) January 25, 2026
For generations across our subcontinent, his calm and unmistakable voice was synonymous with news.
As the BBC’s long-time correspondent and bureau chief in India, the Kolkata born Tully reported on… pic.twitter.com/sl37uhyfC1
Honours and recognition
Tully received the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan, two of India’s highest civilian honours, awards rarely given to foreign nationals. In 2002, he was knighted by Britain for his services to broadcasting and journalism — an honour he later described as “an honour to India”.
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