NEW DELHI: India has declared seven days of state mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, a key figure behind the country’s economic liberalization in the 1990s. Singh, who served as prime minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday evening at a New Delhi hospital.
The government announced that the mourning period will last until January 1, with the national flag flying at half-mast on official buildings across the country. Singh will also be accorded a state funeral as a mark of respect.
The Congress Party, Singh’s political home, revealed that his body will be kept at the party headquarters in New Delhi for an hour on Saturday morning, allowing the public and party members to pay their respects. From there, it will be taken to the cremation ground.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating that India “mourns the loss of one of its most distinguished leaders.” National newspapers praised Singh’s legacy, highlighting his role in transforming India’s economy. Headlines such as “Man Who Liberated India’s Dreams” and “He Opened India to the World” adorned the front pages of major publications.
Singh was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences after losing consciousness at home on Thursday. Despite resuscitation efforts, he was pronounced dead at 9:51 pm local time.
