Sushma Swaraj has been cremated with state honours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended Sushma Swaraj's funeral at Delhi's Lodhi Crematorium. Her body was kept at the BJP headquarters in Delhi from 12 pm - 3 pm for people to pay respects today after which it was taken to the crematorium.
Sushma Swaraj was one of the most respected leaders of the ruling BJP and will perhaps be best remembered for her tenure as External Affairs Minister till earlier this year. She died at Delhi's AIIMS hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest. She was 67.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi turned emotional this morning as he paid homage to Ms Swaraj, easily one of India's most-admired political leaders. Describing her death as a "personal loss", Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a "glorious chapter in Indian politics has come to an end".
Here are the highlights:
Shri @RahulGandhi expresses his condolences to Shri Kaushal ji on the passing of Smt Sushma Swaraj. pic.twitter.com/DXtt6zJGjC
- Congress (@INCIndia) August 7, 2019
Saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and former #India External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. She was a strong partner who shared our view that a more democratic world is a more peaceful one. Our thoughts are with her family and the people of India. pic.twitter.com/rDqeKc2yth
- Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) August 7, 2019
Read Here: Sushma Swaraj Death: Sushma Swaraj Told Shatrughan Sinha She Won't Quit BJP Even If...Actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha Wednesday said he was deeply saddened by the sudden death of "dear family friend" Sushma Swaraj with whom he had a long association.
Sushma Swaraj Death: PM Ranil Wickremesinghe Remembers Sushma Swaraj, Says "Sri Lanka's True Friend"Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday expressed sorrow at the death of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, saying that her efforts to achieve regional policy objectives made a lasting impression among the Lankan public.
Read Here: Sushma Swaraj, Manmohan Singh's Poetic 'War' Of Words RememberedA war of words between the then ruling Congress and opposition BJP often impaired proceedings of 15th Lok Sabha during 2009-14 but poetic encounters involving the then prime minister Manmohan Singh and Sushma Swaraj enlivened the House and remain memorable for their humour and wit.
Read Here: Geeta, Who Sushma Swaraj Brought Back From Pakistan, Pays Tribute In Sign LanguageA tearful Geeta, who has speech and hearing impairment, through sign language, said Ms Swaraj used to be concerned about her well-being "like a mother".
READ HERE: Mourning Sushma Swaraj, Everyone Remembers That Hilarious Mars TweetAs India bid farewell to Sushma Swaraj, former Foreign Minister and veteran of the ruling BJP, Twitter remembered the compassionate and responsive leader who won huge respect, across party lines, for helping Indians need through social media.
Read Here: Sushma Swaraj Dies: Sumitra Mahajan, Ex-Lok Sabha Speaker, Compliments Sushma Swaraj's "Awesome Memory"Former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan on Wednesday remembered Sushma Swaraj as the MP who with her oratory skills and photographic memory used to make Opposition members nervous in Parliament.
#WATCH Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, VP Venkaiah Naidu, senior BJP leader LK Advani, Union Ministers Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh & others leave from Lodhi Crematorium. #SushmaSwaraj pic.twitter.com/NvThkFueR2
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
"Madam Sushma Swaraj is a senior Indian politician," Hua Chunying, Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in written response, according to PTI.
"China deeply mourns for the passing of Madam Sushma Swaraj and expresses sincere condolences to her family," Hua said.
READ HERE: Sushma Swaraj Cremated With State Honours. PM, Top Leaders PresentSushma Swaraj, former foreign minister and BJP veteran, died on Tuesday evening after a cardiac arrest, leaving political leaders and her legions of admirers in grief. She was 67. Ms Swaraj was cremated with state honours this afternoon.
In a video message, he described the senior BJP leader as "well-cultured and immensely talented."
"We never thought such a well-cultured, intelligent and immensely talented leader Sushma-ji will leave us. People like me have suffered a big shock due to her death," Mr Fadnavis was quoted as saying by PTI.
"Her demise is my personal loss. She had wished me on my birthday (on July 22), saying I was doing a good job. I received her affection. I am at a loss for words as I try to pay homage to her," Mr Fadnavis said.
MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted: #TeamMEA mourns the sad demise of former External Affairs Minister #sushmaswaraj. Enjoying immense respect within the Ministry and outside, for her compassionate and amiable personality, she has left a lasting legacy for putting people at the core of Indian diplomacy."
#TeamMEA mourns the sad demise of former External Affairs Minister #sushmaswaraj. Enjoying immense respect within the Ministry and outside, for her compassionate and amiable personality, she has left a lasting legacy for putting people at the core of Indian diplomacy. pic.twitter.com/LWUyZVyz2q
- Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) August 7, 2019
Read Here: Sushma Swaraj Funeral: Husband Swaraj Kaushal, Daughter Bansuri Kaushal Say Farewell To Sushma Swaraj With A SaluteA grief stricken nation is saying goodbye to former Union minister Sushma Swaraj, who died last evening. Since morning, thousands poured into her home and then at the BJP office to pay their respects to the leader whose term as the foreign minister during the first term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.
Read Here: Sushma Swaraj Death: Sushma Swaraj Dies At 67. Emotional PM Modi, Top Leaders Pay TributePrime Minister Narendra Modi turned emotional this morning as he paid his tribute to Sushma Swaraj, former foreign minister and BJP veteran, who died last night. Ms Swaraj died on Tuesday evening after a cardiac arrest. She was 67.
Read Here: Bal Thackeray Once Backed Sushma Swaraj For PM's Post: Sena LeaderShiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday expressed grief over the "irreparable loss" his family suffered following the death of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, whom party patriarch Bal Thackeray had once backed as NDA's prime ministerial face.
The Dalai Lama on #SushmaSwaraj: I offer my prayers & my condolences at this difficult time. Sushma Swaraj enjoyed immense respect for her compassionate concern for people&her friendly demeanour. In devoting herself to service of others, she led a very meaningful life.(File pics) pic.twitter.com/6HILHPjvRH
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on #SushmaSwaraj: She was happy with the recent historic development in the nation, as she expressed before she left us. We express condolences to her family in this moment of grief. pic.twitter.com/y0Fbqirk8X
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
US Embassy in Delhi: #SushmaSwaraj was a steadfast advocate for her compatriots. As External Affairs Minister, she was a key partner in strengthening US-India bilateral relationship, most prominently during the inaugural 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue in September 2018. https://t.co/mBHQdfaDiM
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Due to cremation of former foreign minister and BJP veteran Sushma Swaraj, at Lodhi Road crematorium, the traffic will remain affected on Lodhi Road, Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, Neela Gumbad, Moolchand Flyover, Defence Colony Flyover, Lodhi Road Flyover and adjoining roads from 2:00pm to 5:30pm. Motorists are advised to avoid these roads and plan their journey accordingly.
Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister pays tribute to former Union Minister #SushmaSwaraj at party headquarters. pic.twitter.com/eYpwgwwfNJ
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Delhi: Mortal remains of former External Affairs Minister #SushmaSwaraj being taken to BJP headquarters pic.twitter.com/Uv4VE33jIT
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
#WATCH Indore: Geeta, the Indian girl who was brought back from Pakistan in 2015 when late Sushma Swaraj was External Affairs Minister, pays tribute. #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/OtksbYMpff
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Preparations at BJP headquarters in Delhi, where #SushmaSwaraj will be kept for people to pay their last respect.
- NDTV (@ndtv) August 7, 2019
She will be cremated with state honours at 3 pm.
Tributes https://t.co/JOXR1IfKts pic.twitter.com/xZCYZvFWy2
Sarabjit Singh's sister Dalbir Kaur expressed her shock and grief at the death of Sushma Swaraj.
Sarabjit Singh's sister Dalbir Kaur:Could not believe that she would leave us so soon, still can't. It's a huge loss for the entire country. She always helped people. Whether it was Hamid Ansari, Sarabjit, Geeta or Jadhav, she helped all. May her soul rest in peace. #SushmaSwaraj pic.twitter.com/YHcrejm5o7
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Chief Minister of Karnataka, BS Yediyurappa paid last respects to former Union Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj, at her residence in Delhi, today. pic.twitter.com/U5TyMLXO5s
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu remembered the stalwart in an opening speech to the Upper House today and minute of silence was observed in mourning.
Rahul Gandhi and his mother Sonia Gandhi of the Congress also paid tribute to former foreign minister and BJP veteran Sushma Swaraj.
NR Kudashev:She was known in Russia as steadfast defender&promoter of India's int'l interests&its global power reputation.She was sincere friend of Russia, contributing to strengthening our privileged strategic p'ship. She'll always dwell in our hearts.May her soul rest in peace" https://t.co/MDXQAl16Sf
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Delhi: Israeli Ambassador to India, Ron Malka pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader #SushmaSwaraj. pic.twitter.com/SngyXk1qjx
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah pays last respects to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader #SushmaSwaraj. pic.twitter.com/fSnu7Zmpfv
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Very tough to believe Sushmaji is no more. Worked very closely with her in d last several years. She was a great leader no doubt, but more than that an outstanding human being with utmost positivity, a rarity these days. Irreparable loss. Tearful homage.
- Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) August 6, 2019
An artist from Uttar Pradesh's Amroha, Mohammad Zuhaib, pays his last respects to former External Affairs Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader #SushmaSwaraj by making a charcoal portrait. pic.twitter.com/ElNAmhRoOe
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Delhi: Senior BJP leader LK Advani pays tributes to former EAM Sushma Swaraj at her residence. His daughter Pratibha Advani gets emotional as she meets #SushmaSwaraj's daughter, Bansuri. pic.twitter.com/3tfGAUL3I4
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Delhi: Senior BJP leader LK Advani pays tributes to former EAM Sushma Swaraj at her residence. His daughter Pratibha Advani gets emotional as she meets #SushmaSwaraj's daughter, Bansuri. pic.twitter.com/3tfGAUL3I4
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy CM Manish Sisodia pay last respects to former External Affairs Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Sushma Swaraj, at her residence in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/Esyqe37zM0
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Delhi: Samajwadi Party leader, Ram Gopal Yadav gets emotional after paying tribute to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. pic.twitter.com/P7AKvxm5i2
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Delhi: Samajwadi Party founder and former Uttar Pradesh CM, Mulayam Singh Yadav pays tribute to former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. pic.twitter.com/YZMo6OmyDI
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Union Home Minister Amit Shah to pay last respect to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader #SushmaSwaraj at her residence, shortly. (file pics) pic.twitter.com/hLYViTwsJg
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Prime Minister Narendra Modi to pay last respect to former External Affairs Minister and BJP leader #SushmaSwaraj at her residence, shortly. He will later attend her last rites in the evening. (file pics) pic.twitter.com/V2NQViEByo
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Delhi: President Ram Nath Kovind pays last tribute to former External Affairs Minister & Bharatiya Janata Party leader #SushmaSwaraj, at her residence. pic.twitter.com/7IAj9WINol
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
Senior BJP leader LK Advani: The nation has lost a remarkable leader. To me, it is an irreparable loss and I will miss Sushmaji's presence immensely. May her soul rest in peace. My heartfelt condolences to Swaraj ji, Bansuri & all members of her family. Om Shanti. #SushmaSwaraj pic.twitter.com/4FuLwWAgli
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
President Ram Nath Kovind arrives at late leader Sushma Swaraj's residence to pay homage.
Deeply saddened and shocked by the news of untimely demise of former Union Minister Smt #SushmaSwaraj, who was a principled leader, splendid orator with full of dignity & grace. The country has lost one of its tallest leader. My sincere condolence. May her soul rest in peace! pic.twitter.com/rQM1o9yjgS
- Pema Khandu (@PemaKhanduBJP) August 7, 2019
Delhi: Kerala's former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy pays last tribute to former External Affairs Minister & BJP leader #SushmaSwaraj, at her residence. She passed away last night due to cardiac arrest. pic.twitter.com/hQJ8E9r0pm
- ANI (@ANI) August 7, 2019
#TeamMEA mourns the sad demise of former External Affairs Minister #sushmaswaraj. Enjoying immense respect within the Ministry and outside, for her compassionate and amiable personality, she has left a lasting legacy for putting people at the core of Indian diplomacy. pic.twitter.com/LWUyZVyz2q
- Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) August 7, 2019
Sushma Swaraj ji is no more.A big loss to our nation. Personally,she was always a good friend, philosopher & guide throughout my years in Parliament.Soft spoken yet firm, always empathetic to people's problems, she was unique in many ways &endeared herself to the public always🙏 pic.twitter.com/fbB806MBeR
- Hema Malini (@dreamgirlhema) August 7, 2019
Saddened to hear about the sad demise of Smt Sushma ji.
- Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) August 6, 2019
We shared very cordial relation during my time in Parliament. She was a rare leader who was above party lines & was always respectful to all.She will always be remembered for her service to the nation. My deepest condolences
Absolutely shocked to hear about the passing away of stalwart leader Smt.#SushmaSwaraj! The nation will miss her effervescence, warmth and unmissable receptiveness as a leader!
- Manish Tewari (@ManishTewari) August 6, 2019
India has lost a great leader. Sushma ji was a very warm and remarkable person. May her soul rest in peace.
- Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) August 7, 2019
Leaving behind indelible memories.
- Syed Akbaruddin (@AkbaruddinIndia) August 7, 2019
We @IndiaUNNewYork will always cherish memories of her @UN
Farewell Madam @SushmaSwaraj 😪 #RIPSushmaSwaraj pic.twitter.com/yEGz9KWhsc
Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of BJP leader Sushma Swaraj Ji. Her contribution to the nation in various leadership roles will never be forgotten. Her stellar work as MEA will be looked upon as an exemplary model of governance. I pray God to give strength to the family pic.twitter.com/V241dX5sON
- N Chandrababu Naidu (@ncbn) August 6, 2019
Deeply shocked to learn of the passing away of Smt Sushma Swaraj. Difficult to accept this news. The whole nation grieves, the Foreign Ministry even more so.
- Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 6, 2019
Extremely shocked to hear of the passing of Smt Sushma Swaraj. The country has lost a much loved leader who epitomised dignity, courage & integrity in public life. Ever willing to help others, she will always be remembered for her service to the people of India #PresidentKovind
- President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) August 6, 2019
An Iron Lady who was not only a true patriot but an incredible inspiration for each and every one of us. An epitome of women empowerment and leadership.#SushmaSwaraj ji you will be missed and remembered forever. My deepest condolences and prayers to the family 🙏#RIPSushmaJi pic.twitter.com/OLrXJMuf0X
- Vivek Anand Oberoi (@vivekoberoi) August 6, 2019
Shocked at the untimely demise of Smt. @SushmaSwaraj. Paid my respects and expressed my condolences to her family. Her speeches in the Parliament, full of substance and firepower, motivated several of us. Sharing a photo from the 2014 swearing in ceremony. pic.twitter.com/in8y5k0OwO
- Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) August 6, 2019
#RIPSushmaSwarajJi ...an amazing leader, orator and minister..... condolences to the family...🙏🙏🙏
- Karan Johar (@karanjohar) August 6, 2019
