NEW DELHI, Jan. 27 (UPI) -- Ramaswamy Venkataraman, who was India's eighth president, died Tuesday in a New Delhi hospital of multiple organ failure at the age of 98.
Venkataraman installed three prime ministers in two years when the politics of coalition moved into India in the late 1980s, Press Trust of India reported.
He was admitted to the Army Hospital Jan. 12 after complaining of urosepsis , a toxic condition caused by the seepage of urine into the body's tissues.
"His general condition has progressively deteriorated since admission despite intensive medical and nursing care," Commandant of Army Hospital Lt. Gen. O.P. Mathew said in a statement.
Indian President Pratibha Patil expressed condolences, saying the nation lost a patriot and luminary.
Before his election as president, Venkataraman served nearly four years as vice president. A member of the Indian National Congress party, he held several ministerial positions during his political career.
Venkataraman also was responsible for shaping the country's missile program, former President A. P.J. Abdul Kalam told PTI. Kalam, also known for his work on the missile system as a scientist, said Venkataraman "was a great teacher for making people aware of good aspects of politics and leadership management."
