The Centre has declared a seven-day mourning in honour of former prime minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday. The Cabinet will meet at 11 am on Friday to pay tributes to him.
Dr Singh's last rites will be conducted with full state honours, the officials added.
Meanwhile, the former PM's body was brought home late Thursday night from AIIMS, where he died. His mortal remains will be placed for the public to pay their last respects.
Meanwhile, the Congress announced that the last rites of Singh will be held on Saturday. "The last rites of former PM Dr Manmohan Singh will be held the day after tomorrow. We will announce officially..." Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal told reporters in Delhi late Thursday night.
The Congress also cancelled all party programmes for seven days, including the Congress Foundation Day scheduled to be held on December 28.
Venugopal said the death of Dr Manmohan Singh was a "painful loss" for the nation. "Dr Manmohan Singh was the real icon of the Congress and the country. A post-independence hero. His mission and ability to govern the country was witnessed by everyone..." he said.
Tribute pour in
Former President of Afghanistan, Hamid Karzai, was among the world leaders who paid tribute to the deceased economist and leader. In a post on X, Karzai wrote: "India has lost one of its most illustrious sons. #Dr_Manmohan_Singh was an unwavering ally and friend to the people of #Afghanistan. I profoundly mourn his passing and extend my deepest condolences to his family, the government, and the people of India. May his soul find eternal peace", Karzai said on X.
Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, who worked closely with Singh, also remembered him as a "benevolent father figure".
"So sad to hear Manmohan Singh has passed. I always found him a delight to work with, and like a benevolent father figure. He was a good friend of the Maldives."
Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov said that the passing away of Singh is a moment of poignant sorrow and grief for India and Russia. He wrote on X, "It is moment of poignant sorrow and grief for India and for Russia. Dr Manmohan Singh's contribution to our bilateral ties was immeasurable. His suave demeanor was always endearing as unquestionable was his expertise as an economist and his commitment to the progress of India."
