Former External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh Passes Away
New Delhi, August 11, 2024—India mourns the loss of one of its most respected political figures. Former External Affairs Minister Kunwar Natwar Singh passed away on Sunday at the age of 93. Singh, who served the nation with distinction for decades, leaves behind a rich legacy in Indian diplomacy and politics.
The news of his demise has sent waves of sadness across the political spectrum. Leaders from all major parties have expressed their condolences. Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Singh’s passing “the end of an era,” highlighting his immense contribution to Indian foreign policy and international relations.
Born on May 16, 1931, in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Natwar Singh was educated at Mayo College in Ajmer and later at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi. He also attended the University of Cambridge, where he studied history. Singh joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1953, marking the beginning of a long and illustrious career in diplomacy.
Singh’s diplomatic career saw him serve in various capacities, including postings in China, Pakistan, and the United States. He was closely associated with Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi, playing a key role in shaping India’s foreign policy during some of the most challenging times in the country’s history.
In 1984, Natwar Singh made the transition from diplomacy to politics by joining the Indian National Congress (INC). He was elected to the Lok Sabha from Bharatpur and soon became a trusted aide of Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Singh was appointed as the Minister of State for External Affairs in 1984, and later, in 2004, he served as the Cabinet Minister for External Affairs under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Singh’s tenure as External Affairs Minister was marked by his efforts to strengthen India’s ties with its neighbors and the broader international community. He was known for his pragmatic approach to diplomacy and his deep understanding of global geopolitics. However, his political career faced a major setback in 2005 when his name surfaced in the Volcker Report on the Oil-for-Food Program, leading to his resignation from the Cabinet. Although Singh vehemently denied any wrongdoing, the controversy marked the end of his active political career.
Despite this, Natwar Singh remained an influential figure in Indian politics. He continued to be a voice of wisdom and experience, often sharing his insights on international relations and domestic politics. His autobiography, One Life is Not Enough, published in 2014, provided a candid account of his life and times, offering readers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Indian politics.
In his later years, Singh largely stayed away from active politics but continued to be a respected elder statesman. He was often sought after for his views on international affairs, and his opinions were highly regarded in both political and academic circles. Singh was also known for his literary interests and was a regular contributor to various newspapers and journals.
Singh’s passing has left a void in the Indian political landscape. Tributes have been pouring in from all quarters. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge described Singh as a “towering figure in Indian diplomacy” and said that his contributions to the country would always be remembered. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who worked closely with Natwar Singh, called him a “mentor and a friend” and highlighted his role in shaping India’s foreign policy during a critical period.
The government has announced a state funeral for Natwar Singh, which will be held on Monday in New Delhi. The last rites will be performed with full state honors, and senior political leaders, diplomats, and other dignitaries are expected to attend the ceremony.
Singh is survived by his son Jagat Singh, a former MLA, and his daughter Harleen Singh. His wife, Maharajkumari Heminder Kaur, passed away in 2015. The Singh family has requested privacy during this time of grief and has thanked everyone for their condolences and support.
As the nation bids farewell to one of its most distinguished public servants, the legacy of Natwar Singh will continue to inspire future generations. His life was a testament to dedication, service, and the pursuit of excellence in the field of diplomacy and politics.
