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Rajiv Gandhi

Rajiv Gandhi was an Indian politician and aircraft pilot who served as prime minister of India from 1984 to 1989.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Rajiv Gandhi was an Indian politician and aircraft pilot who served as prime minister of India from 1984 to 1989. He became prime minister after the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, and was the youngest person to hold the office in India. He was assassinated in 1991 during an election campaign.

Early life and education

Rajiv Gandhi was born in Bombay in 1944 and came from the Nehru-Gandhi political family. Sources describe him as having trained as a pilot before entering public life.

Prime minister of India

He became prime minister in 1984 after Indira Gandhi's assassination and served until 1989. His tenure began with a large parliamentary majority and ended with electoral defeat.

Political role after office

After leaving office, he became Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He resigned from that position in December 1990, months before his death.

Assassination

Rajiv Gandhi was killed in 1991 at Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu, while campaigning for elections. Britannica and other sources identify the killing as an assassination linked to a suicide bombing.

Key facts

  • Rajiv Gandhi served as prime minister of India from 1984 to 1989.
  • He became prime minister after the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi.
  • He was the youngest prime minister in India, taking office at age 40.
  • He was assassinated on 21 May 1991 in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, during an election campaign.
  • Before entering politics, he worked as an aircraft pilot.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Rajiv Gandhi?
He was an Indian politician and aircraft pilot who served as prime minister of India from 1984 to 1989.
When was Rajiv Gandhi born?
He was born on 20 August 1944 in Bombay, now Mumbai.
Why did Rajiv Gandhi become prime minister?
He became prime minister after the assassination of his mother, Indira Gandhi, in 1984.
Was Rajiv Gandhi the youngest prime minister of India?
Yes. He became prime minister at age 40, making him the youngest person to hold the office in India.
When did Rajiv Gandhi die?
He was assassinated on 21 May 1991 in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai.
What was Rajiv Gandhi's political party?
He was associated with the Indian National Congress, specifically the Congress (I) faction during his time as prime minister.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajiv_Gandhi
    Supports: Birth and death dates, office held, term dates, youngest prime minister claim, assassination, and opposition role.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rajiv-Gandhi
    Supports: Biography, birth and death places, prime ministership, and assassination.
  3. UCLA South Asian Studies — https://southasia.ucla.edu/history-politics/independent-india/rajiv-gandhi/
    Supports: Prime ministership from 1984 to 1989 and assassination context.
  4. Prime Minister of India — https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/former_pm/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80-%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%B5-%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%80/
    Supports: Official former prime minister page, dates in office, birth date, and youngest-prime-minister claim.
  5. Rajiv Gandhi Foundation — https://rgfindia.org/about-rajiv-gandhi-rgf/
    Supports: Education and pilot career details.