New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Singapore on Sunday to attend the funeral of nation’s founder premier Lee Kuan Yew.
“I am visiting Singapore at a sad moment. The passing away of HE Lee Kuan Yew marks the end of an era. He was among the tallest leaders of our times. Singapore’s transformation in one generation is a tribute to his leadership,” Modi said
The former Singapore Prime Minister died of severe pneumonia on March 23.
In a special gesture, India has declared one day mourning on Sunday.
“In the 50th anniversary year of Singapore’s independence, I am sure that he left satisfied with Singapore’s achievements and confident about its future. He inspired not just Southeast Asia, but all of Asia, to believe in its own destiny,” Modi added.
He described Yew as a global thinker, who saw things ahead of others. “He was an advocate of economic progress, but also made tireless efforts to advance peace and stability in our region.â€
In his condolence message after Lee’s demise, Modi had said, “A far-sighted statesman and a lion among leaders, Lee Kuan Yew’s life teaches valuable lessons to everyone. News of his demise is saddening.”
Apart from Modi, several world leaders are expected to attend Lee’s funeral, including former US President Bill Clinton, South Korean President Park Geun-Hye, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Malaysian King Abdul Halim Shah.
Former Foreign Minister S M Krishna, who had a close bonding with Yew, will attend the funeral.