Jaswant Singh, former external affairs minister, passes away at 82; Modi says he 'served nation diligently'

Jaswant Singh, former leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and external affairs minister in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government, passed away on Sunday. He was 82. Singh, a former army officer, had been ill after a fall at his home in August 2014 and was admitted to the Army Research and Referral Hospital. He had been in and out of the hospital and was admitted again in June this year. “It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Hon’ble Major Jaswant Singh (Retd), former Cabinet Minister of Government of India at 0655 hours on 27 September 2020. He was admitted on 25 Jun 2020 and being treated for Sepsis with Multiorgan Dysfunction Syndrome and effects of Severe Head Injury old (Optd) had a Cardiac arrest this morning,” the hospital said in a statement. Despite the best efforts of the attending team of specialists to resuscitate him, he could not be revived and passed away, the statement added. His funeral will take place later today at Jodhpur in Rajasthan, family sources told PTI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, condoling Singh’s death, said —

Jaswant Singh Ji served our nation diligently, first as a soldier and later during his long association with politics. During Atal Ji’s Government, he handled crucial portfolios and left a strong mark in the worlds of finance, defence and external affairs. Saddened by his demise.

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 27, 2020

Modi noted, “Jaswant Singh Ji will be remembered for his unique perspective on matters of politics and society. He also contributed to the strengthening of the BJP. I will always remember our interactions. Condolences to his family and supporters. Om Shanti.” The prime minister further said, “Spoke to Shri Manvendra Singh and expressed condolences on the unfortunate demise of Shri Jaswant Singh Ji. True to his nature, Jaswant Ji fought his illness with immense courage for the last six years.” Several other political leaders also paid tributes to him.

Deeply pained by the passing away of veteran BJP leader & former Minister, Shri Jaswant Singh ji. He served the nation in several capacities including the charge of Raksha Mantri. He distinguished himself as an effective Minister and Parliamentarian.

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 27, 2020

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Sh Jaswant Singh was a scholar-leader of great majesty, integrity and credibility. Made a mark for himself as d Foreign Minister n Defense Minister in Vajpayee govt. End of another stalwart of a glorious past era. My sincere condolences to Manvendra n family. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/m0rGMtNCbC

— Ram Madhav (@rammadhav_) September 27, 2020

V sad to hear about the demise of Sh Jaswant Singh ji. He worked for the country all his life, whether inside the govt or outside. May his soul rest in peace.

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) September 27, 2020

With inputs from PTI