Sushma Swaraj, one of India's best known politicians, has died.
Ms Swaraj, who served as foreign minister for five years, suffered a cardiac arrest on Tuesday, the Press Trust of India said.
She was a popular minister in Narendra Modi's first term as prime minister, but did not contest parliamentary elections earlier this year.
She became known for helping Indians stuck abroad by responding to them on Twitter.
Ms Swaraj, 67, had been suffering from poor health and had a kidney transplant in 2016.
She was cremated with full state honours in the capital Delhi. Senior leaders across political parties and BJP lawmakers, including Prime Minster Narendra Modi, attended the funeral.
The news of her death prompted an outpouring of grief and condolences both from fellow politicians and from Indians across the globe.
"A glorious chapter in Indian politics comes to an end," Mr Modi said on Twitter.
"India grieves the demise of a remarkable leader who devoted her life to public service and bettering lives of the poor. Sushma Swaraj Ji was one of her kind, who was a source of inspiration," he said.
"Shocked & saddened to hear of the passing away of Sushma Ji," Sri Lanka's Minister of Finance and former Foreign Minister Mr. Mangala Samaraweera said.
"India has lost a great leader & SriLanka a dear friend," he added.
Leave your comments
Login to post a comment
Post comment as a guest