Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] on Thursday underwent a minor surgical procedure on his right hand and has been advised rest for a couple of days. He will however, attend to official duties from his residence.

The operation, performed at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, was done "to relieve pressure on a nerve near the wrist," PM's Media Adviser Sanjaya Barua said. He said, "The Prime Minister has been advised rest for a couple of days. He is working from his official residence but his other engagements for the day were cancelled." He should be back in his South Block office by Monday, Barua said.

After the successful surgery, the Prime Minister returned to his residence "...from where he is attending to his official duties," Barua said. While his right hand would remain bandaged for a few days, the Prime Minister would be working normally, Baru added.

He said the Prime Minister's proposed visit to Goa [Images] to witness the country's naval capabilities in the Arabian Sea on October 15 and 16 stood postponed because of the surgery. The Prime Minister, accompanied by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, was to have spent the night of October 15 on board India's lone aircraft carrier INS Viraat.