K. Natwar Singh, Former Indian Foreign Minister and Padma Vibhushan Awardee, Passes Away

Veteran Congressman and former External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh passed away on Saturday night after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by his family members to the media. He was 93 years old.

Singh, who had been receiving treatment at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, near Delhi, succumbed to his illness after several weeks of care.

Born in 1931 in the Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, K. Natwar Singh had a distinguished career as a diplomat before transitioning into politics. He served as the Minister of External Affairs from 2004 to 2005 in the Manmohan Singh administration. Prior to this, he held the position of Union Minister of State for Steel, Mines, Coal, and Agriculture from 1985 to 1986 under former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. He later returned to Gandhi’s government as the Minister of State in the External Affairs Ministry from 1986 to 1989. His entry into politics was marked by his election from Bharatpur in the 1984 elections, after which he resigned from the Indian Foreign Service to embark on his political journey.

Singh began his extensive diplomatic career in 1953, joining the Indian Foreign Service at the age of 22. His roles included serving as India’s Deputy High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1973 to 1977 and as High Commissioner to Zambia in 1977. His diplomatic career reached new heights when he was appointed India’s ambassador to Pakistan from 1980 to 1982, a critical period in Indo-Pakistani relations.

Academically, Singh was equally accomplished. He pursued history at St. Stephen’s College in Delhi and later continued his education at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom. His academic pursuits also took him to Peking University in China, reflecting his deep interest in global perspectives.

In recognition of his contributions, Singh was awarded the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honor.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed his condolences over Singh’s passing. Taking to his social media account on X, Sharma wrote, “The news of the demise of former External Affairs Minister of the Government of India, Padma Vibhushan awardee Shri Natwar Singh is deeply saddening. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant peace to the departed soul and to give strength to the bereaved family during this difficult time.”