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The mortal remains of former foreign minister K Natwar Singh were consigned to flames as several political leaders, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, joined in paying tribute to him. Natwar Singh passed away on Saturday night after a prolonged illness, according to his family members. He was 93.
He was a career diplomat, who brought a wealth of experience in diplomacy to his political career and a prolific author on subjects ranging from the life of a maharaja to nuances of foreign affairs.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too tweeted his condolences on X
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. pic.twitter.com/7eIR1NHXgJ
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 11, 2024
During his distinguished career, he wore many hats, and for his service to the nation, the former external affairs minister was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1984.
A former Congress MP, Singh was India’s External Affairs Minister for the period 2004-05 during the UPA-I government led by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
He also served as ambassador to Pakistan and was attached to the office of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1966 to 1971.
His funeral was held in the afternoon at the Lodhi Crematorium amid rains in Delhi. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, Congress leader and former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, and several other leaders, besides many family members, friends and admirers of Natwar Singh gathered at the crematorium to pay tribute.
Jaishankar offered a piece of wood to the funeral pyre before Singh’s mortal remains were consigned to flames.
Earlier S Jaishankar has tweeted his condolences on X as he wrote, Deeply saddened by the passing away of K Natwar Singh, distinguished diplomat and former External Affairs Minister.
His many contributions include a vital role in the July 2005 India – US nuclear deal. His writings, especially on China, provided valuable insights into our diplomacy.
Condolences to his family. Om Shanti.
Deeply saddened by the passing away of K Natwar Singh, distinguished diplomat and former External Affairs Minister.
His many contributions include a vital role in the July 2005 India – US nuclear deal. His writings, especially on China, provided valuable insights into our… pic.twitter.com/HsMXzI2WtF
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) August 11, 2024
