A seven-day period of national mourning will be observed across India in honor of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away last night. During this time, the national flag will be flown at half-mast throughout the country, as announced by the Union Home Ministry.

In a directive sent to all state and union territory chief secretaries on Thursday, the Home Ministry confirmed that Singh will receive a state funeral, and no official entertainment will take place during the mourning period.

"The government of India announces with profound sorrow the death of Manmohan Singh, former prime minister of India on December 26, 2024 at AIIMS hospital in New Delhi," the communication said.

The state mourning will begin on December 26, 2024, and continue until January 1, 2025, in recognition of Singh’s contributions to the nation. The national flag will be lowered to half-mast at all locations where it is regularly flown throughout India.

The flag will also be flown at half-mast on the day of the funeral at all Indian missions and high commissions abroad, the ministry stated.

Singh, a key architect of India's economic reforms, passed away at the age of 92.

Agency