After a protracted illness, former External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh was receiving treatment at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram when he passed away on August 10 at night.
Pained by the passing away of Shri Natwar Singh Ji. 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. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/7eIR1NHXgJ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 11, 2024
K Natwar Singh’s Career and Contributions
Before entering politics, Singh worked as a diplomat. She was a member of the cabinet of former prime minister Manmohan Singh and held the position of External Affairs Minister from 2004 to 2005. Additionally, he held the Minister of State position in the Ministry of External Affairs from 1986 to 1989 and Union Minister of State for Steel, Mines, Coal, and Agriculture from 1985 to 1986 in the Rajiv Gandhi administration.
Singh enlisted in the Indian Foreign Service in 1953 at 22, and from 1973 to 1977, he was India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. In 1977, he assumed the position of High Commissioner to Zambia. Additionally, he served as India’s ambassador to Pakistan from 1980 to 1982, a very important time for ties between the two countries.
Educational Background and Early Life
After the Volcker investigation revealed that Natwar Singh and his son had benefited from Saddam Hussein’s “oil-for-food” affair, the two parties sharply disagreed. But Singh always insisted that he had never gained anything personally. He left the Congress party in February 2008, ending an almost 25-year affiliation.
Singh, who was born in the Bharatpur area of Rajasthan in 1931, attended St. Stephen’s College in Delhi to study history before relocating to China to pursue his studies at Peking University and Cambridge University.
Literary Contributions and Awards
After leading the committee responsible for preparing the 1983 Non-Alignment Summit in New Delhi, he was also granted the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian award in India. In addition to writing other books, the 93-year-old former minister of external affairs is also the author of “The Legacy of Nehru: A Memorial Tribute,” “My China Diary 1956-88,” and his autobiography, “One Life is Not Enough.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences for his loss on X, the former Twitter platform, writing, “Sri Natwar Singh Ji’s passing is deeply saddening.” He made significant contributions to foreign affairs and diplomacy. In addition to his prolific writing, he was renowned for his intelligence. During this time of sadness, my thoughts are with his family and admirers. Om Shanti.
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