Former External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh passed away on Saturday night at the age of 93, following a prolonged illness. He died at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, near Delhi, where he had been admitted two weeks earlier.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences, stating, “Pained by the passing away of Natwar Singh. He made rich contributions to the world of diplomacy and foreign policy. He was also known for his intellect as well as prolific writing. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief.”
Who Was Natwar Singh?
Natwar Singh, a former diplomat and Congress leader born in 1931, served as India’s ambassador to Pakistan and held various ministerial roles. He transitioned to politics in 1984, resigned in 2004 amid an oil scam, and was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1984.
Here are 10 key points about him:
- Early Life: Born in 1931 in Bharatpur, Rajasthan.
- Career in Diplomacy: Joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1953, becoming a career diplomat.
- Political Shift: Resigned from the Foreign Service in 1984 and entered politics with the Congress party, winning a Lok Sabha seat.
- Ministerial Positions: Served as Union Minister of State until 1989 and again as Union Minister from 2004, resigning after 18 months due to an alleged Iraqi oil scam, from which he was later cleared.
- Ambassador to Pakistan: Was India’s ambassador to Pakistan between 1966 and 1971.
- Close Aide: Acted as a close advisor to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
- Authorship: Authored several books, including The Legacy of Nehru: A Memorial Tribute and My China Diary 1956-88. His autobiography is One Life is Not Enough.
- Congress Split: Eventually fell out with Congress leadership.
- Honors: Awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1984.
- Tributes: Congress leader Randeep Surjewala expressed sorrow, saying, “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.”
