Veteran Journalist Sir Mark Tully Passes Away at 90 in Delhi
Sir William Mark Tully, the iconic voice of the BBC in India for decades, passed away at his Delhi home on Wednesday. He was 90 years old.
Key Takeaways
- Sir Mark Tully, veteran BBC journalist and author, died at 90 in Delhi.
- He served as BBC’s New Delhi bureau chief for 20 years (1972-1992).
- He was awarded the Padma Bhushan (2005) and was knighted (2002).
- He remained in India post-BBC, writing and broadcasting on Indian affairs.
A Defining Voice for India
Sir Mark Tully was the definitive BBC correspondent in India for a generation. As bureau chief in New Delhi from 1972 to 1992, his deep understanding of the country and his calm, authoritative reporting style made him a trusted figure.
Life and Work After the BBC
After leaving the BBC, Tully chose to continue living in India. He authored books, wrote columns, and hosted radio programs, offering insightful commentary on Indian politics, society, and culture as a respected observer.
Honours and Legacy
His contributions were recognised with India’s third-highest civilian award, the Padma Bhushan, in 2005. He had been knighted by the British monarchy in 2002. His death is seen as the end of an era in journalism, with tributes flowing from across media and political circles.



