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Former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh Passes Away

author The Wire Staff
Aug 11, 2024
He held various key positions in the Indian government, including external affairs minister from 2004-05 under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

New Delhi: K. Natwar Singh, a veteran Congress leader and former external affairs minister, passed away on Saturday (August 10) night at the age of 93, following a prolonged illness.

He breathed his last at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, near Delhi, where he had been undergoing treatment for several weeks, as per reports.

Born in 1931 in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Singh began his career as a diplomat before venturing into politics. Singh’s career in diplomacy began in 1953 when he was inducted into the Indian Foreign Service.

He held various key positions in the Indian government, including external affairs minister from 2004-05 under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

From March 1982 to November 1984, Singh held the position of secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, where he played a crucial role in shaping India’s foreign policy. His distinguished service was recognised with the prestigious Padma Bhushan award in 1984, one of India’s highest civilian honours.

Singh’s first term as an MP began in 1984 when he joined the Congress and was elected from Bharatpur. His political ascent continued in 1985 when he took oath as minister of state, overseeing key portfolios such as steel, coal, mines, and agriculture under Rajiv Gandhi’s leadership. A year later, in 1986, he assumed the role of minister of state for External Affairs, further solidifying his expertise in diplomacy.

Singh has penned several notable books such as “The Legacy of Nehru: A Memorial Tribute” and “My China Diary 1956-88”, which offer valuable insights into his diplomatic experiences. His autobiography, “One Life is Not Enough”, provides a candid and introspective look at his life and career.

On social media platform X, President Droupadi Murmu expressed her condolences and noted that Singh was a “man of letters”.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi underlined that Singh “made rich contributions to the world of diplomacy and foreign policy”.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also paid his condolences.

 

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