Sachin Pilot to attend Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez's funeral

Corporate Affairs Minister Sachin Pilot will represent India at the state funeral of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez's funeral on Friday, officials said here on Thursday.

"Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Sachin Pilot will be representing India at the state funeral of president Hugo Chávez on March 8," a statement issued here said.

Hugo Chavez, 58, died of cancer in a military hospital in Caracas Tuesday.

Pilot has already left for Venezuela, officials said.

Chavez was in power for 14 years. He was re-elected to a third six-year term in October 2012, but could not be sworn in as scheduled Jan 10 due to his serious health problems.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had condoled his death and said Venezuela has lost a charismatic and immensely popular leader who leaves a legacy of striving for social justice.