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 prior.
A family source confirmed his passing, stating, “His son is at the hospital, and more family members are arriving in Delhi from his native state for the last rites, which are planned in the city. He had been unwell for some time.”
Who was K. Natwar Singh?
K. Natwar Singh was a seasoned diplomat and a prominent Congress leader. Born in 1931 in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, he began his career in the Indian Foreign Service in 1953. His diplomatic experience spanned several decades, culminating in his role as India’s ambassador to Pakistan from 1966 to 1971. He also served as a close aide to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Singh transitioned to politics in 1984, resigning from the Indian Foreign Service to contest 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 but resigned 18 months later amid allegations related to the Iraqi oil-for-food scandal, from which he was eventually exonerated.
Beyond his political and diplomatic career, Natwar Singh was a prolific author, penning works on various topics, including foreign affairs and historical figures. His notable books include “The Legacy of Nehru: A Memorial Tribute” and “My China Diary 1956-88.” His autobiography, “One Life is Not Enough,” offers a deep insight into his life and career.
Natwar Singh’s contributions to the nation were recognized with the Padma Bhushan award in 1984. Despite later disagreements with the Congress leadership, his legacy in Indian diplomacy and politics remains significant.
