The Indian government on Friday announced a seven-day state mourning to pay respect to former PM Manmohan Singh who died at AIIMS in New Delhi on Thursday night.

The Union Home Ministry said in a statement: "The Government of India has announced with profound sorrow the death of Dr. Manmohan Singh, former Prime Minister of India on 26.12.2024 at AIIMS hospital, New Delhi."

"As a mark of respect to the departed dignitary, it has been decided that seven days of state mourning will be observed throughout India from 26.12.2024 to 01.01.2025 both days inclusive," the statement said.

During this period the National flag will be flown at half-mast throughout India where it is regularly flown and there will be no official entertainment during the period of state mourning.

"It has also been decided that the state funeral will be accorded to late Dr. Manmohan Singh," the Ministry said.

The Ministry said: "The National flag shall also fly half-mast on the day of funeral in all Indian Missions/High Commissions of India abroad."

Ending an era in the Indian political paradigm, Manmohan Singh, who served as the Indian PM for rare two terms, died on Thursday. He was 92.

Manmohan Singh rose to prominence as the country's finance minister during the Congress regime headed by PV Narasimha Rao during 1991-96, for bringing sweeping reforms that transformed the economy.As the two-term UPA Prime Minister, he stayed at the top post from 2004 to 2014 and served as a member of the Rajya Sabha till early this year.He retired from the Rajya Sabha in April.