K Natwar Singh, the former External Affairs Minister of India, has died after a prolonged illness, according to family sources. He passed away late on Saturday night at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he had been receiving treatment for the past few weeks. Singh was 93 years old.

 Final Moments and Family Arrangements

Family sources confirmed that Singh’s son was present at the hospital during his final moments, with other family members travelling from his native state to Delhi for the last rites. “His son is there at the hospital, and many more family members are coming to Delhi from his native state for the last rites planned in Delhi. He was not keeping well for some time,” the source said.

Tributes and Legacy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Singh on social media, expressing deep sorrow at his passing. In an X post, PM Modi wrote, “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.”

Singh, a distinguished member of the Indian National Congress, served as India’s External Affairs Minister during the UPA-I government under Prime Minister Manmohan Singh from 2004 to 2005. His tenure was marked by his extensive experience and knowledge in diplomacy, which he had accumulated over a long and distinguished career.

A Life of Diplomacy and Literature

Born in 1931 in Bharatpur district of Rajasthan, Natwar Singh was a veteran diplomat before entering politics. His expertise in foreign affairs was widely recognised, and his contributions to India’s diplomatic efforts were significant. In addition to his political career, Singh was a prolific author, writing extensively on subjects ranging from historical accounts to international relations.

 

Among his notable works are ‘The Legacy of Nehru: A Memorial Tribute’, ‘My China Diary 1956-88’, and his autobiography ‘One Life is Not Enough’. His writings reflect his deep engagement with both the intricacies of diplomacy and the broader historical context of his time.

Recognition and Awards

In 1984, Singh was honoured with the Padma Bhushan, one of India’s highest civilian awards, in recognition of his distinguished service to the nation. This award highlighted his contributions not only as a diplomat but also as a public figure committed to the betterment of India’s global standing.

Conclusion

K Natwar Singh’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter in Indian diplomacy and literature. His legacy will be remembered for his significant role in shaping India’s foreign policy and his insightful contributions through his writings. The country mourns the loss of a distinguished leader and intellectual whose influence extended well beyond his years in office.