India is in mourning following the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who received a state funeral in Delhi. Singh, who served from 2004 to 2014, was lauded as the architect of India’s economic liberalization. He passed away at the age of 92.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the ceremony and referred to Singh as one of India’s “most distinguished leaders.”
Large crowds gathered throughout the capital to pay their respects as Singh’s coffin, accompanied by an honor guard, was transported to the cremation grounds.
His eldest daughter performed the last rites at the crematorium, attended by notable figures including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and senior members of Singh’s Congress Party.
Foreign dignitaries, including the King of Bhutan and the Foreign Minister of Mauritius, were also present.
Singh was given full state honors during the ceremony, which featured a 21-gun salute.
In the wake of his death, the Indian government declared seven days of national mourning.
After Singh’s passing, Modi paid tribute, highlighting Singh’s “wisdom and humility” during their interactions and acknowledging his contributions to improving the lives of many as prime minister.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi remarked on losing “a mentor and a guide” at the funeral.
US President Joe Biden also honored Singh, stating that India’s enhanced cooperation with the US was a testament to Singh’s “strategic vision and political courage.” He described Singh as a dedicated public servant and a humble person.
During his premiership and previous tenure as finance minister, Singh reshaped India’s economic landscape. He is widely recognized for his statement during his first budget speech: “No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come.”
Singh’s policies lifted millions out of poverty, positioning India as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.
As the first Sikh to serve as India’s Prime Minister, he also made a historic apology in 2005 for the 1984 riots, which resulted in significant loss of life.
Notably, Singh was the first Indian leader since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected after completing a full first term, although his second term was marred by corruption allegations that contributed to the Congress party’s defeat in the 2014 elections.
