Who Was Natwar Singh? 10 Key Facts About The Former External Affairs Minister

K Natwar Singh, a prominent figure in Indian politics and diplomacy, passed away on Saturday night at the age of 93 after a prolonged illness.

The former External Affairs Minister and senior Congress leader breathed his last at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he had been admitted two weeks prior. His demise has left a void in the world of Indian diplomacy and politics.

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PM Modi Condoles Natwar Singh's Death

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on social media, acknowledging Singh's contributions to the country. "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," the Prime Minister wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

A Life Dedicated to Diplomacy and Politics

Born in 1931 in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Natwar Singh was a seasoned diplomat and a former Congress leader who played a significant role in shaping India's foreign policy. He began his illustrious career by joining the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1953, serving in various capacities, including as India's ambassador to Pakistan from 1966 to 1971. His close association with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi further solidified his influence in Indian politics.

In 1984, Singh made the transition from diplomacy to politics by resigning from the IFS and contesting the Lok Sabha elections on a Congress ticket. He won and served as a Union Minister of State until 1989. He returned to the Union Cabinet in 2004 as the External Affairs Minister, but his tenure was cut short after 18 months due to an alleged involvement in the Iraqi oil-for-food scandal. Despite the controversy, Singh was later exonerated of any wrongdoing.

Literary Contributions

Beyond his diplomatic and political career, Natwar Singh was also a prolific author. His writings covered a wide range of topics, from the life of Indian royalty to the intricacies of foreign affairs. Some of his notable works include The Legacy of Nehru: A Memorial Tribute and My China Diary 1956-88. His autobiography, One Life is Not Enough, offers a deep dive into his life and experiences.

In recognition of his contributions, Natwar Singh was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1984.

Tributes Pour In

As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from various quarters. Congress leader Randeep Surjewala expressed his sorrow on social media, writing 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."

Natwar Singh's death marks the end of an era in Indian diplomacy and politics. His legacy as a statesman, diplomat, and writer will be remembered for years to come.