New Delhi, March 23 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid homage to Lee Kuan Yew, the first prime minister of Singapore who died after a prolonged battle with pneumonia.
"Heartfelt condolences on sad demise of former PM Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore, Asia will mourn the loss of a towering leader," the president tweeted.
Calling him a "far-sighted statesman" and a "lion among leaders", Modi said Lee's life "teaches valuable lessons to everyone".
"News of his demise is saddening," Modi tweeted.
"In this hour of bereavement, our prayers are with Lee Kuan Yew's family and the people of Singapore. May his soul rest in peace."
Born on September 16, 1923, Lee was considered the father of modern day Singapore and the leader who made the island nation the most prosperous in Southeast Asia.