Mark Tully, often revered as the “voice of India,” has passed away at the age of 90. The BBC, where he spent decades shaping the world’s understanding of South Asia, confirmed his death. Tully died on Sunday at a hospital in New Delhi following a short illness.

Born in the bustling city of Kolkata in 1935, Tully’s journey with the BBC began in 1965. By 1971, he had been appointed as the New Delhi correspondent. Over the years, he rose to become the BBC’s South Asia bureau chief, a position he held with distinction for over two decades.

Throughout his career, Tully covered some of the most pivotal events in India’s recent history. His reporting on the 1971 India-Pakistan war played a significant role in informing the global audience about the conflict that eventually led to the birth of Bangladesh. In 1984, he brought the world news of the siege of the Golden Temple, and in 1991, he covered the tragic assassination of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He also reported on the demolition of the Babri mosque in 1992, an event that unleashed widespread turmoil across the country.

Tully’s journalistic reach extended beyond India, as he also reported from neighboring countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, further solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in South Asian reportage.

Tully also reported from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Tully as “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,” Modi wrote on X.

Britain knighted Tully in 2002 for services to broadcasting and journalism. He also received two of India’s highest civilian honors, the Padma Shri and the Padma Bhushan.