K Natwar Singh served as the External Affairs Minister in Manmohan Singh’s government from 2004-2005. PM Narendra Modi and Rajasthan CM paid tribute to him.
Veteran Congress leader and former External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh passed away on Saturday night after a prolonged illness at the age of 93, according to family sources.
Singh breathed his last at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, near Delhi, where he had been undergoing treatment for several weeks.
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PM Modi and Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma paid tribute to K Natwar Singh
Following his passing, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating, “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.”
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also paid tribute, expressing his sorrow on social media, “The news of the demise of former External Affairs Minister of the Government of India, Padma Vibhushan awardee Shri Natwar Singh is extremely sad. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to give a place to the departed soul in his feet and provide strength to the bereaved family in this hour of grief.”
About K Natwar Singh
Born in 1931 in Rajasthan’s Bharatpur district, K Natwar Singh initially pursued a distinguished career in diplomacy before transitioning into politics. He joined the Indian Foreign Service at the young age of 22 in 1953, which marked the beginning of a remarkable journey.
His diplomatic service included key roles such as India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1973 to 1977, and later, the High Commissioner to Zambia in 1977. From 1980 to 1982, he served as India’s Ambassador to Pakistan, a critical period in the history of Indo-Pakistani relations.
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Singh’s academic background was equally noteworthy, having studied history at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, followed by further studies at Cambridge University in the UK. He also spent time at Peking University in China, reflecting his deep engagement with global affairs.
In 1984, K Natwar Singh made a significant shift from diplomacy to politics, being elected as a Member of Parliament from Bharatpur. He served in various capacities in the Indian government, including as the Union Minister of State for Steel, Mines and Coal, and Agriculture from 1985-86 under Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Later, he became the Minister of State in the External Affairs Ministry from 1986-89. He went on to serve as the External Affairs Minister in Manmohan Singh’s government from 2004-2005.
Singh was also a recipient of the Padma Vibhushan, one of India’s highest civilian honors, recognizing his substantial contributions to the nation.
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