New Delhi: K. Natwar Singh, the former minister of external affairs, passed away on Saturday night at the age of 95, according to family sources. He breathed his last in a Gurugram hospital, where he was admitted about two weeks ago.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of former the veteran diplomat and minister.
“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,” PM Modi posted on his X handle on Sunday.
Singh, a veteran diplomat, was Minister of External Affairs in the UPA government led by Manmohan Singh from 2004 to 2005.
In 1953, he was chosen for admission to the Indian Foreign Service. He left the service in 1984 to run as a Congress candidate from Bharatpur, Rajasthan, and win a seat in the Lok Sabha.
He was appointed Minister of State for External Affairs in 1986 and was appointed to the portfolios of Steel, Coal and Mines and Agriculture upon his oath of office in 1985.
Singh headed the Indian delegation to the 42nd Session of the UN General Assembly and was chosen President of the UN Conference on Disarmament and Development, which took place in New York in 1987.
In addition, he wrote about a dozen books, including his autobiography “One Life Is Not Enough,” “Tales from Modern India,” “The Legacy of Nehru: A Memorial Tribute,” and “Treasured Epistles.”
The sources stated that on Sunday, his last rites would take place in Delhi.
IANS
