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Singapore’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan visited Tamil Nadu yesterday to pay his respects to late chief minister Jayalalithaa Jayaram.

The minister laid a wreath at the funeral, which was held at the Rajaji Hall.

Writing on his Facebook page yesterday evening after paying his respects, Dr Balakrishnan said he has never forgotten meeting Jayaram more than a decade ago in Chennai when she graciously made time for him. “Her passion, energy and grand vision were so inspiring. India has lost a great daughter and Singapore a staunch friend,” he wrote.

One of India’s most successful politicians, Jayaram died late Monday after suffering a massive cardiac arrest on the weekend, following a long period of ill health.

In a condolence letter addressed to new Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam, Dr Balakrishnan said Jayaram dedicated her life to the socio-economic development of Tamil Nadu.

“Through her leadership, Tamil Nadu grew to become one of India’s key economies and industrialised states. She was also a strong proponent of building closer relations between Tamil Nadu and Singapore,” said Dr Balakrishnan.

“Her Excellency Jayalalithaa left an indelible mark in Tamil Nadu and will be missed.”