New Delhi (Web Desk): India on Saturday honoured the late Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister and architect of the country’s economic reforms in the early 1990s, with a state funeral and full military honours.
Singh passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday, and the government declared a period of seven days of mourning in his memory.
The funeral ceremony was led by President Draupadi Murmu and attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with top civilian and military officials.
The King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, also paid his respects at the ceremony.
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who regarded Singh as a mentor, joined his family in mourning before the cremation.
As mourners gathered to pay their respects, Singh's coffin, draped in floral garlands, was carried with a guard of honour to the Congress Party headquarters in New Delhi.
The procession made its way through the city, accompanied by soldiers and marked by full state honours, before reaching the cremation grounds.
Modi praised Singh as one of the country’s most distinguished leaders, while Gandhi spoke emotionally about his guidance and leadership, highlighting the wisdom and integrity Singh exhibited throughout his tenure.
US President Joe Biden also expressed his condolences, calling Singh a “true statesman” whose work would continue to shape India and the world for generations.
Singh, who was a technocrat at heart, is remembered for steering India through a period of economic growth during his first term, from 2004 to 2009.
Under his leadership, the nation saw impressive economic expansion and greater international influence.
His second term, however, was marred by a series of corruption scandals, economic slowdowns, and rising inflation, contributing to the political rise of Narendra Modi.
Despite these challenges, Singh’s contributions to the country remain significant, particularly his role in managing India’s recovery from the 1991 financial crisis and securing a pivotal nuclear agreement with the United States (US).
His legacy, marked by his service to the nation, integrity, and humility, was celebrated by all those who attended the funeral, with President Murmu stating that Singh’s contributions would always be remembered.