Tributes Pour in as India Bids Farewell to Former PM Manmohan Singh

Manmohan Singh, who served as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014, passed away at the age of 92, prompting national mourning and tributes from leaders worldwide.

India bid farewell to its former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in a state funeral ceremony held in Delhi, attended by thousands of mourners and distinguished figures. Singh, who served from 2004 to 2014, died at the age of 92 on Thursday. The ceremony took place under the watch of current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who hailed Singh as one of the nation's "most distinguished leaders."

On Saturday, a procession carrying Singh’s casket, adorned with floral garlands and the Indian flag, moved through the streets of Delhi, drawing crowds of mourners paying their final respects. The procession was accompanied by an honor guard and included a ceremonial 21-gun salute to honor the deceased leader.

Singh's eldest daughter lit his funeral pyre, with notable attendees including President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, and members of Singh’s Congress Party. Prominent foreign dignitaries such as Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Mauritius's Foreign Minister Dhananjay Ramful were also present.

Following Singh’s passing, the government declared seven days of national mourning. Modi shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling Singh's "wisdom and humility," emphasizing his relentless efforts to enhance the lives of the Indian populace. Opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed his personal loss, calling Singh "a mentor and a guide."

International leaders also expressed their condolences, with U.S. President Joe Biden noting that Singh's "strategic vision and political courage" significantly contributed to the unprecedented cooperation between the two nations. "He was a true statesman, a dedicated public servant, and above all, a kind and humble person,” Biden stated.

Singh is celebrated for transforming India’s economic landscape, having successfully implemented major reforms that shifted the country towards a path of rapid growth. His first budget speech included the famous declaration, "No power on Earth can stop an idea whose time has come," highlighting his forward-thinking approach.

As the first Sikh Prime Minister of India, he famously acknowledged the tragic events of the 1984 riots, formally apologizing for the violence that led to the deaths of around 3,000 Sikhs. Singh also holds the distinction of being the first Indian leader since Jawaharlal Nehru to be re-elected for a full second term, although his later tenure faced challenges due to corruption allegations, impacting his party's fortunes in the 2014 elections.