Farewell to Sir Mark Tully: The Iconic Voice of India

Sun Feb 01 2026 12:00:38 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Sir Mark Tully, the esteemed journalist and broadcaster known as the BBC's 'voice of India', has passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of impactful reporting and deep connections with the people of India.

Sir Mark Tully, who served as the BBC's primary correspondent in India for decades, has died at the age of 90. Renowned for his insightful reporting on major events in India, including political upheavals and social issues, Tully was respected for his commitment to journalistic integrity and cultural understanding. His work not only informed audiences in the UK but also fostered a richer understanding of Indian society.

The broadcaster and journalist Sir Mark Tully - for many years known as the BBC's voice of India - has died at the age of 90.

For decades, the rich, warm tones of Sir Mark were familiar to BBC audiences in Britain and around the world - a much-admired foreign correspondent and respected reporter and commentator on India. He covered war, famine, riots and assassinations, the Bhopal gas tragedy and the Indian army's storming of the Sikh Golden Temple.

In the small north Indian city of Ayodhya in 1992, he faced a moment of real peril. He witnessed a huge crowd of Hindu hardliners tear down an ancient mosque. Some of the mob - suspicious of the BBC - threatened him, chanting Death to Mark Tully. He was locked in a room for several hours before a local official and a Hindu priest came to his aid.

The demolition provoked the worst religious violence in India for many decades - it was, he said years later, the gravest setback to secularism since the country's independence from Britain in 1947.

We are sad to hear the passing of Sir Mark Tully, said Jonathan Munro, Interim CEO of BBC News and Current Affairs. As one of the pioneers of foreign correspondents, Sir Mark opened India to the world through his reporting, bringing the vibrancy and diversity of the country to audiences in the UK and around the world.

Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1935, Sir Mark was a child of the British Raj. He was brought up with an English nanny and eventually became fluent in Hindi, winning the affection of many Indians who called him Tully sahib. He enjoyed a close rapport with politicians and social activists alike.

After World War Two, he returned to Britain for education before starting his career with the BBC in 1965. His distinctive broadcasting style, strong character, and insightful reporting made him a beloved figure in journalism.

Sir Mark faced criticism for being too lenient on India's social issues, but he remained committed to upholding India's secular values. His voice resonated through countless reports that reflected the highs and lows of life in India.

He won various accolades, including knighthood and two top civilian honors from India, reflecting his deep connection to the country he loved.

Sir Mark Tully leaves behind a rich legacy, having dedicated his life to illuminating the nuanced and complex narratives of India to the world.