SINGAPORE: Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan on Tuesday (Dec 6) visited India’s Tamil Nadu to pay his respects to the state’s late Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa Jayaraman, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement.
The Chief Minister, widely known as “Amma” or “mother”, died on Monday following a cardiac arrest. She was 68.
On Tuesday, Dr Balakrishnan laid a wreath at the funeral, which was held at the Rajaji Hall.
(Photo: MFA)
Dr Balakrishnan also sent his condolences to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, O Panneerselvam.
“The late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa dedicated her life to the socio-economic development of Tamil Nadu and through her leadership, Tamil Nadu grew to become one of India’s key economies and industrialised states,” Dr Balakrishnan wrote in the letter.
“I have never forgotten meeting her more than a decade ago in Chennai. She graciously made time for me.”
He also noted that the late Chief Minister was also a strong proponent of building closer relations between Tamil Nadu and Singapore. “Her passion, energy and grand vision were so inspiring. India has lost a great daughter and Singapore a staunch friend,” he wrote.
“It was therefore with deep sadness that I attended her funeral to pay my last respects. Her Excellency Jayalalithaa left an indelible mark in Tamil Nadu and will be missed.”
