Natwar Singh made important contributions to national affairs: Sonia Gandhi

File Photo: Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) chairperson Sonia Gandhi


Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday condoled the death of Former External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh and said he made important contributions to national affairs.

In a condolence letter addressed to Singh’s wife Heminder Kumari Singh, Gandhi wrote, “Dear Hem, I was sorry to learn that Natwar passed away. He has been your life’s companion and loosing him must be painful for you.”

Recalling Singh’s contribution, the former Congress president said, “He had a full life with diverse interests. He was active in many spheres and made important contributions to national affairs in his professional career. He will be missed by a wide circle of friends.”

The CPP Chairperson added, “I send my sincere condolences to you and your family.”

The former External Affairs Minister passed away on Saturday in Gurugram following an illness.

Singh, a former diplomat, served as Minister of External Affairs during the UPA regime in 2004-05.

He made his political debut from Bharatpur in Rajasthan in the early eighties, where he contested the Lok Sabha elections and was elected to Parliament.

Singh was sworn in as a cabinet minister in 1985.

He was born in Bharatpur, Rajasthan, and joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1953.

The veteran politician was fond of writing and authored several books. He was also awarded the Padma Bhushan.