Lee among tallest leaders, says Modi at funeral

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Singapore's founder leader Lee Kuan Yew, who was cremated on Sunday, as "among the tallest leaders of our times" and a friend of India.

Shortly after arriving here to attend the funeral of Lee who died on March 23, Modi said that Lee believed in India's potential "more than many of us did".

Modi was among the world leaders who gathered here to pay their last respects to Lee.

"The passing away of Lee Kuan Yew marks the end of an era. He was among the tallest leaders of our times," Modi told 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 added.

Stating that Lee's personal life was an "inspiration for many like me", the prime minister wrote in the condolence book: "He (Lee) was a torchbearer of hope, not just for Singapore, but for all of Asia.

"Today, the flame is no more, but this was a torch that lit the lamp of hope in many new nations. As long as these lamps flicker, he will continue to inspire, eternally.

"...I bow to this committed Karma Yogi, this great man. On behalf of all Indians, I pay homage to him."

Modi said Lee believed in India's potential "more than many of us did", adding "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".

Modi declared that India was with Singapore in this moment of grief by observing a day of public mourning on Sunday.

Modi met a host of leaders on the sidelines of the funeral including senior Singapore leader Goh Chok Tong, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, Singapore's Deputy Prime Minister T. Shanmugaratnam, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, former US president Bill Clinton and Governor General of Canada David Johnston, the Prime Minister's Office said.

Among the others who attended the funeral were Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and British Secretary of State William Hague.