Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Friday paid tributes to former South African president and anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela who passed away Thursday night at the age of 95, saying "it's a loss for India."

"A giant among men has passed away. This is as much India's loss as South Africa's. He was a true Gandhian. His life and work will remain a source of eternal inspiration for generations to come. I join all those who are praying for his soul," the Indian prime minister tweeted.

Mandela, who led South Africa's transition from white-minority rule in the 1990s, after spending 27 years in prison for his political activities, was in fact under intensive medical care at his home for a prolonged lung infection till he died.

His death was announced on South African national TV by President Jacob Zuma. "Our nation has lost its greatest son," Zuma said.