Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the death of Singapore's founding father and first Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, calling him a 'far-sighted statesman' and a 'lion among the leaders'.

The noted statesman Lee had been battling severe pneumonia since last six weeks. He passed away on Monday early morning at 3:18 am in Singapore's General Hospital. Lee was 91.

Modi said that Lee's demise was saddening and eulogised him as a "far-sighted statesman" whose life teaches "valuable lessons to everyone".

"In this hour of bereavement, our prayers are with Mr. Lee Kuan Yew's family and the people of Singapore. May his soul rest in peace," Modi tweeted.

"A far-sighted statesman &a; lion among leaders, Mr Lee Kuan Yew's life teaches valuable lessons to everyone. News of his demise is saddening," he added.

Lee was admitted to hospital on Feb 5. His death has sent Singapore into gloom as several Singaporeans reached the hospital to pay tributes to the founding father of the nation.

The Singapore's PMO has declared March 23- 29 as days of national mourning. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is Lee's son, broke down as he spoke about his father's death in a televised address.

"We won't see another man like him. To many Singaporeans, and indeed others too, Lee Kuan Yew was Singapore," he said.