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Mark Tully, the BBC's 'voice of India', dies at 90
Summary
Sir Mark Tully, long known as the BBC's 'voice of India', has died at the age of 90. He was a veteran BBC correspondent who reported from India for decades and was widely respected for his reporting and knowledge of the country.
Content
Sir Mark Tully, who long served as a BBC correspondent in India and was widely known as the broadcaster's "voice of India", has died at the age of 90. He spent decades reporting on major events across the country and became a familiar presence on BBC radio. His coverage included the Bhopal gas disaster and communal violence such as the 1992 events in Ayodhya. Born in Calcutta in 1935, he grew up during the final years of the British Raj and became fluent in Hindi, earning respect among many in India.
Notable details:
- He died at the age of 90 and was widely identified with BBC coverage of India.
- His reporting covered war, famine, riots, assassinations and major disasters, including the Bhopal gas tragedy.
- In Ayodhya in 1992 he faced threats from a crowd and was held for several hours before local figures intervened.
- He was born in Calcutta in 1935 and was raised in the era of the British Raj.
- He became fluent in Hindi and was often referred to in India as "Tully sahib", reflecting his long connections there.
- The BBC's interim head of news, Jonathan Munro, said the organisation was sad to hear of his passing and noted his role in opening India to audiences worldwide.
Summary:
His decades of reporting shaped many listeners' understanding of modern India and earned him respect in both Britain and India. The BBC has published statements mourning his passing. Undetermined at this time.
Sources
Sir Mark Tully, BBC reporter based in Delhi who became one of the best-loved Englishmen in India
The Telegraph1/25/2026, 12:20:00 PMOpen source →
Sir Mark Tully, the BBC's 'voice of India', dies aged 90
BBC1/25/2026, 11:45:53 AMOpen source →
Mark Tully, the BBC's 'voice of India', dies aged 90
BBC1/25/2026, 10:59:16 AMOpen source →
