Former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh Passes Away at 93: A Glimpse into His Life and Legacy

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/11th August 2024

On Saturday night, former External Affairs Minister K. Natwar Singh passed away at the age of 93 after a prolonged illness. He breathed his last at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, near Delhi, where he had been admitted two weeks earlier. According to family sources, Singh had not been in good health for some time, and his son, along with other family members, was present at the hospital as the arrangements for his last rites were being made in Delhi.

Natwar Singh was a prominent figure in Indian politics, particularly within the Congress party. Born in 1931 in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, Singh initially pursued a distinguished career in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) before transitioning into the political arena. His journey into public service began in 1953 when he was selected for the IFS. His diplomatic career was marked by various significant postings, including his role as India’s ambassador to Pakistan between 1966 and 1971, during which time he became a close aide to former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

In 1984, after three decades of diplomatic service, Natwar Singh resigned from the IFS to enter politics. He successfully contested the Lok Sabha elections on a Congress ticket and served as the Union Minister of State until 1989. His political acumen and experience in foreign affairs earned him another ministerial role in 2004. However, his political career faced a major setback when he resigned after 18 months due to an alleged involvement in the Iraqi oil scam pay-off scandal. Despite the controversy, Singh was later exonerated, and his reputation within the political sphere remained intact.

Natwar Singh was also a prolific writer, contributing several books that highlighted his experiences and insights into foreign affairs and Indian history. Among his notable works are The Legacy of Nehru: A Memorial Tribute and My China Diary 1956-88. His autobiography, One Life is Not Enough, offers a detailed account of his life, career, and the events that shaped his journey.

Throughout his career, Natwar Singh was known for his deep understanding of international relations and his ability to navigate the complex world of diplomacy. His contributions to India’s foreign policy and his role as a minister are remembered with respect and admiration. In recognition of his service, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1984, one of India’s highest civilian honors.

However, Singh’s relationship with the Congress party took a turn in later years, leading to his eventual estrangement from the party leadership. Despite this, his legacy as a seasoned diplomat and politician remains significant in India’s history.

In the wake of his passing, Congress leader Randeep Surjewala expressed his condolences on social media, describing the news of Singh’s demise as “sad” and praying for strength for his family to bear the loss.

Natwar Singh’s death marks the end of an era for Indian diplomacy and politics, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to be studied and remembered by future generations.