Highlights: Sushma Swaraj cremated with full state honours, India in mourning

Former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who passed away late on the night of August 6, was one of the most accessible politicians, literally a tweet away. 

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

Sushma Swaraj made a lasting impression among the Lankan public: PM Wickremesinghe  Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday expressed sorrow at the demise of former external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, saying that her efforts to achieve regional policy objectives made a lasting impression among the Lankan public.    In a condolence message sent to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he said,   "I have always known Mrs Swaraj as a true friend of Sri Lanka, a neighbour and a relative of Sri Lanka who held a pleasing personality,"    Wickremesinghe said that Swaraj's focus on the bilateral relationship while keeping an interest on achieving regional policy objectives made a lasting impression among the Lankan public.   During her tenure as the Indian foreign minister, the level of friendship between the two countries achieved greater heights, he said

Update: Last rites conclude. Sushma Swaraj cremated with full state honours.  

Update: Full state honours being bestowed on former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, who passed away last night after suffering a major heart attack.  

Update: Mortal remains of former External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj taken for last rites, as political leaders pay their last respects at Lodhi crematorium in New Delhi. 

Vice President of India Venkaiah Naidu pays his last respects to Sushma Swaraj at Lodhi crematorium.

Earlier today, he had said, "She was like my sister who always addressed me as 'Anna' (elder brother). She was a regular at family and cultural events at my residence for a long time. Every year, on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, she used to tie 'Rakhi' on my hand. I would be missing this honour this year. I have lost a valuable sister in her demise, which is an irreparable loss to me."

 

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal laid the wreath on the mortal remains of Sushma Swaraj. Swaraj was also the chief minister of Delhi for a brief period in the year 1998. 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah pays his last respect to the former External Affairs Minister, who passed away last night due to a cardiac arrest. Shah had earlier said, "Her untimely demise is not a big loss for the BJP alone, but also for national politics." 

BJP Veteran LK Advani lays the wreath on his protege. Earlier today, he had said, "I am deeply distressed at the untimely demise of one of my closest colleagues, Sushma Swaraj ji.”

Calling her "a role model for women leaders", he remembered how the former external affairs minister had never missed bringing his favourite chocolate cake on each of his birthday.

Rajasthan Chief Minister and Congress leader Ashok Gehlot pays his last respects to Sushma Swaraj at Lodhi crematorium. 

Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay also present at Lodhi crematorium for the last rites of Sushma Swaraj.