India declares seven-day mourning following death of former PM

India is observing a seven-day national mourning period following the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, with the government announcing the period of respect from December 26, 2024, to January 1, 2025.

According to the Interior Ministry's statement, the country's national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout this period, and no official entertainment events will be held, Caliber.Az reports referring to foreign media.

In addition, the government has confirmed that Singh will receive a state-level funeral on December 28. The national flag will also be lowered at all Indian embassies abroad on the day of the funeral, marking a moment of global tribute.

Singh, aged 92, passed away on December 26 in an emergency ward after being rushed to the hospital in an unconscious state. Despite the efforts of medical professionals, the former prime minister, who had been suffering from a range of age-related health issues, could not be resuscitated. His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Indian politics.

Manmohan Singh, a prominent member of India’s oldest political party, the Indian National Congress (INC), served as the country’s Prime Minister from May 2004 to May 2014. Under his leadership, India experienced significant economic growth and transformation. Singh was highly regarded as the "architect of economic reforms," having played a pivotal role in liberalizing the Indian economy in the 1990s, a move that helped catapult India onto the global stage as a rising economic power.

Before becoming Prime Minister, Singh held influential positions, including serving as the Finance Minister (1991–1996) and as the head of the Reserve Bank of India. His tenure in government saw major reforms, such as the 1991 economic liberalization, which opened India's markets to foreign investments, reduced trade barriers, and laid the groundwork for India’s rise as a global economic powerhouse.

Singh’s legacy is also defined by his calm and scholarly approach to leadership, as well as his efforts to guide India through economic challenges, both domestically and internationally. Despite facing political opposition during his tenure, Singh remained a respected figure, both in India and abroad.

His passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from political leaders, economists, and citizens alike, acknowledging his immense contributions to India’s development and global standing. His death is mourned by millions, as India remembers a leader who shaped the country’s modern economic landscape.

By Tamilla Hasanova