Former External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh passed away late Saturday night after a prolonged illness. He was 93 years old. Singh died at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, near Delhi, where he had been receiving treatment for the past two weeks.
“His son is there at the hospital, and many more family members are coming to Delhi from his native state for the last rites planned in Delhi. He was not keeping well for some time,” a family source said.
K. Natwar Singh was a distinguished figure in Indian politics and diplomacy. Born in 1931 in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Singh enjoyed a distinguished career as a diplomat before transitioning to a significant role in Indian politics. His career in the Indian Foreign Service began in 1953, and he served in various capacities, including as India’s Ambassador to Pakistan from 1966 to 1971.
Singh’s diplomatic expertise and close association with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi were notable aspects of his career. After resigning from the Indian Foreign Service in 1984, Singh entered politics by contesting the Lok Sabha elections on a Congress ticket. He won the election and served as a Union Minister of State until 1989. He returned to the Union Cabinet in 2004 but resigned after 18 months due to an alleged Iraqi oil scam pay-off scandal, although he was later exonerated.
Apart from his political and diplomatic achievements, Natwar Singh was also a prolific author. His works include ‘The Legacy of Nehru: A Memorial Tribute,’ ‘My China Diary 1956-88,’ and his autobiography, ‘One Life is Not Enough.’ His contributions to literature and politics earned him recognition, including the Padma Bhushan in 1984.
Singh’s later years saw a distancing from Congress leadership, marking a significant shift in his political career.
Congress leader Randeep Surjewala expressed his condolences on Singh’s passing in a tribute that he posted on social media. Surjewala wrote in Hindi, “The news of the demise of former Foreign Minister Natwar Singh ji is sad. May God give strength to his family to bear this loss and grant peace to the departed soul.”
Also read: Former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh Passes Away at 93
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