Former EAM Natwar Singh Passes Away; PM Modi and VP Dhankhar Express Grief

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 12th August. Senior politician and former External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh passed away on Saturday night at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram after a prolonged illness. He was 93.

Singh’s son, Jagtar Singh, confirmed the news, stating, “He had been ill for a very long time, and his health deteriorated over the past two months. He was in the hospital for the past month… He took his last breath on Saturday. His last rites will be performed at Lodhi Road Crematorium on Monday, 12th August.”

Natwar Singh, who made his political debut from Bharatpur in Rajasthan in the early 1980s, was elected to Parliament and later sworn in as a Cabinet Minister in 1985. He served the nation in various capacities, including as External Affairs Minister, and played a vital role in India’s diplomacy, most notably in the July 2005 India-US nuclear deal.

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed his grief on social media, highlighting Singh’s significant contributions to society and his dedication to public service. “He always infused zeal into life,” Dhankhar said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned Singh’s passing, acknowledging his rich contributions to diplomacy and foreign policy. “Pained by the passing away of Shri Natwar Singh Ji. He was known for his intellect as well as prolific writing. My thoughts are with his family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” PM Modi wrote on the social media platform X.

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also expressed his sorrow, noting Singh’s distinguished career and the valuable insights he provided through his writings, especially on China.

Born in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Singh joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1953 and went on to author several books. His contributions to Indian diplomacy and foreign policy were recognized with the Padma Bhushan award.