27 Dec 2024, 07:42

India declares seven days of mourning over death of former prime minister

Manmohan Singh died on December 26 at the age of 92 in the emergency room where he was taken unconscious from his home

NEW DELHI, December 27. /TASS/. Indian authorities have decided to declare seven days of mourning in connection with the death of the country's former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, the country's Home Ministry announced.

"As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, it has been decided that seven days of state mourning will be observed throughout India from December 26, 2024 to January 1, 2025, both days inclusive. During this period, the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning," the ministry said.

Authorities have also decided to hold a state funeral. It is expected to take place on Saturday. "The national flag shall also fly half-mast on the day of funeral in all Indian missions and high commissions of India abroad," the ministry pointed out.

Manmohan Singh died on December 26 at the age of 92 in the emergency room where he was taken unconscious from his home. According to doctors, Singh was suffering from a number of ailments typical of the elderly. Despite the best efforts of doctors, he could not be revived.

Manmohan Singh was a member of India's oldest political party, the Indian National Congress. He served as prime minister for two consecutive terms, from May 2004 to May 2014. Singh visited Moscow several times and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. In an interview, he professed his love for Russians and Russia's rich culture. As prime minister, he promoted the development of friendly relations with Russia in the spirit of strategic partnership and supported the implementation of joint projects and initiatives, including in the military-technical and nuclear energy sectors.

Manmohan Singh also attached great importance to the BRICS alliance. As early as 2011, he stated that the growth and prosperity of the BRICS countries could play a significant role in ensuring economic and financial stability at the global level.

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