Veteran Journalist and Author Mark Tully passes away at 90
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, January 25, 2026: Eminent journalist and author Mark Tully, best known for his long association with India and his nuanced reporting on the country, passed away on Sunday at the age of 90 after a prolonged illness.
He breathed his last at a private hospital in south Delhi, where he had been undergoing treatment for age-related health issues for the past week.
Senior journalist and close associate Satish Jacob confirmed that Tully died at Max Hospital, Saket. His passing marks the end of an era in foreign correspondence on India, where his voice stood out for its empathy, depth and understanding of Indian society.
A Life Dedicated to Reporting India
Born in Kolkata on October 24, 1935, Mark Tully grew up in India before beginning a distinguished career in journalism. He became one of the most recognised international reporters covering the country, spending over two decades as the BBC’s Chief of Bureau in New Delhi.
During his 22-year tenure in the role, Tully covered some of India’s most defining political, social and historical moments. His reporting was widely admired for avoiding stereotypes and presenting India in all its complexity, earning him deep respect among Indian audiences and fellow journalists alike.
Beyond journalism, Tully was also a prolific author, whose books reflected his long engagement with India and its people. His work helped bridge cultural understanding between India and the West.