Headlines
Lee was the tallest leaders of our times: Modi
Singapore, March 29
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi on Sunday described Singapore's founder prime minister Lee Kuan Yew
as "among the tallest leaders of our times".
Modi arrived in
Singapore early Sunday to join a host of world leaders for the funeral
of Lee, who died at the age of 91 on Monday after a long battle with
pneumonia.
"The passing away of Lee Kuan Yew marks the end of an
era.He was among the tallest leaders of our times," Modi said addressing
the media.
"He was 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," he said.
"In India, we deeply valued his friendship and his support for the country's economic progress and global role."
Stating
that Lee believed in India's potential "more than many of us did", the
prime minister said: "India's relations with Singapore is one of our
strongest relationships in the world and Singapore is a key pillar of
India's Act East Policy."
"Personally, he was a source of
inspiration for me. His achievements and thoughts give me confidence in
the possibility of India's own transformation," the prime minister said.
"The people of India share this nation's grief over the loss of
its founding father and leader. We are observing a day of public
mourning in India today in honour of the departed leader and the deep
bonds of friendship that we share with Singapore."
Lee's funeral
will be attended by Asian as well as world leaders, including former US
president Bill Clinton, British Secretary of State William Hague,
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo
Abe.