New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the funeral of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at Nigambodh Ghat in Delhi today. The last rites are scheduled for 11.45am. Union home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh, BJP president J P Nadda, and the chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force will also be present to pay their respects.
Dr Manmohan Singh, India’s first Sikh Prime Minister, passed away on Thursday night at the age of 92. He was admitted to AIIMS Delhi after losing consciousness at his residence. The Union government has announced a seven-day mourning period, and Dr Singh has been accorded a state funeral.
Ex-PM’s final journey to Nigambodh Ghat begins
Earlier in the day, his mortal remains were taken to the AICC headquarters, where leaders from across the political spectrum paid their tributes. His final journey to Nigambodh Ghat began shortly after. Prime Minister Modi expressed his grief over Dr Singh’s demise, calling him a “distinguished leader who dedicated his life to India’s progress and prosperity”.
International leaders have expressed their condolences. US President Joe Biden, in a statement, said, “Jill and I join the people of India in grieving the loss of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh… During this difficult time, we recommit to the vision to which Prime Minister Singh dedicated his life.”
Singapore’s High Commissioner Simon Wong announced that the Singaporean flag was lowered to half-mast as a gesture of respect for Dr Singh.
Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice highlighted his pivotal role in the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement of 2008. “I am deeply saddened by the passing of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He was a great leader who reshaped US-India relations and risked his political future for a landmark agreement with far-reaching geopolitical implications. My deepest condolences to the people of India – may he rest in eternal peace,” she said in a post on X.
