New Delhi: Sir Mark Tully the veteran BBC journalist widely regarded as one of the most authoritative voices on South Asian affairs, passed away in New Delhi on January 25, 2026. He was 90.

Over decades as the BBC’s New Delhi bureau chief Tully earned an unparalleled reputation for journalistic integrity and insight.For millions across the Indian subcontinent major events were not considered fully credible until Tully Sahib had reported them. His calm, deeply informed voice became synonymous with trusted news during some of the region’s most turbulent years.

One of the most dangerous moments of his career came in 1992 when he witnessed the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. Amid violent unrest a hostile mob targeted journalists, chanting threats against Tully. He was forced into hiding for several hours before being rescued with the help of local officials and a Hindu priest. He later described the mosque’s destruction as the gravest setback to Indian secularism since independence.

Tully reported extensively on defining events including the Bhopal gas tragedy Operation Blue Star the assassinations of Indira and Rajiv Gandhi the1971 Bangladesh Liberation War famines and communal violence.

His lifelong commitment to India was recognized with a British knighthood and India’s Padma Bhushan. Sir Mark Tully leaves behind a legacy of fearless journalism that bridged cultures and shaped global understanding of South Asia.