New Delhi: Veteran journalist and author Sir Mark Tully passed away at the age of 90 in a New Delhi hospital on Sunday, January 25, 2026. His death was confirmed by close friend and fellow journalist Satish Jacob. Tully had been admitted to Max Hospital in Saket on January 21 and died due to multi-organ failure following a stroke.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, recognizing Tully as "a towering voice of journalism". In a post on X, Modi stated that Tully's work reflected a deep connection with India and its people, leaving an enduring mark on public discourse.

Born in Kolkata on October 24, 1935, Tully spent his early years in India before pursuing education in England. He returned to India in 1964 as a BBC correspondent and later became the New Delhi bureau chief, a position he held for 20 years. Tully resigned from the BBC in July 1994.

Tully covered numerous significant events in South Asia, including the Indo-Pakistan conflicts, the Bhopal gas tragedy, Operation Blue Star, the assassinations of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, and the demolition of the Babri Masjid. During the coverage of the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992, Tully faced hostility, with some individuals chanting "Death to Mark Tully". He regarded the demolition as a major setback to India's secularism.

Tully was also an accomplished author, penning books such as "No Full Stops in India," "India in Slow Motion" (co-authored with Gillian Wright), and "The Heart of India". He also presented BBC Radio 4's "Something Understood".

Throughout his career, Tully received several awards and honors, including Officer of the Order of the British Empire in 1985, the Padma Shri in 1992, and the Padma Bhushan in 2005. He was knighted in 2002. In June 2019, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to UK-India relations.

Satish Jacob remembered Tully as an extraordinary journalist who chronicled India's history with empathy and insight. Tully's son, Sam Tully, noted his father's significant contribution to UK-India ties due to his affection for both countries. Mark Tully held an Overseas Citizenship of India card and lived with his girlfriend, Gillian Wright, in India.