Natwar Singh: The Diplomat, Politician, and Controversial Figure.

Natwar Singh: The Diplomat, Politician, and Controversial Figure.

                    Kunwar Natwar Singh, IFS (16 May 1929 – 10 August 2024), was a prominent Indian diplomat and politician, known for his extensive career in public service, both as a diplomat and later as a politician. His journey from the corridors of diplomacy to the often tumultuous world of Indian politics was marked by notable achievements, controversies, and an enduring legacy.

Early Life and Education

Born into an aristocratic Jat Hindu family in Bharatpur, Natwar Singh was the fourth son of Govind Singh and Prayag Kaur. His lineage was closely tied to the ruling dynasty of Bharatpur, giving him a unique upbringing steeped in tradition and privilege. He received his early education at Mayo College, Ajmer, and Scindia School, Gwalior—both prestigious institutions catering to India's princely and noble families. Singh's academic pursuits led him to St. Stephen's College, Delhi, where he completed his undergraduate degree. Furthering his education, he studied at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge University, and even spent time as a visiting scholar at Peking University in China.

A Distinguished Diplomatic Career

Natwar Singh's entry into the Indian Foreign Service in 1953 marked the beginning of an illustrious 31-year diplomatic career. His early assignments included a posting in Beijing, China, during a period of significant geopolitical shifts. He later served at the Permanent Mission of India in New York City, where he was India's representative to the executive board of UNICEF. His involvement with various UN committees between 1963 and 1966 showcased his growing influence on the global stage.

One of his most significant roles was serving as India's Ambassador to Pakistan from 1980 to 1982, a challenging position given the strained relations between the two countries. His tenure as Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs from 1982 to 1984 further solidified his standing as a key figure in Indian diplomacy. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian honour, in 1984.

Transition to Politics

In 1984, Natwar Singh made a dramatic shift from diplomacy to politics, resigning from the Indian Foreign Service to join the Indian National Congress (INC). He contested and won the election from the Bharatpur constituency in Rajasthan, marking the beginning of his political career. As a member of the 8th Lok Sabha, he was appointed as a minister of state, handling portfolios such as steel, coal, mines, and agriculture. His work in these ministries demonstrated his adaptability and commitment to public service.

In 1986, Singh was appointed as the minister of state for external affairs, a role that leveraged his extensive diplomatic experience. His election as President of the UN Conference on Disarmament and Development in 1987 and his leadership of the Indian delegation to the UN General Assembly in 1987 were significant milestones in his political career.

The Rise and Fall as Foreign Minister

Natwar Singh's political career reached its zenith in 2004 when he was appointed as India's Minister of External Affairs in the newly elected United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. His appointment was seen as a natural progression for someone with his diplomatic background. However, his tenure as foreign minister was short-lived, lasting only 18 months.

The downfall came in 2005 when the UN's Volcker Committee named Natwar Singh and the Congress party as beneficiaries of illegal pay-offs in the Iraqi Oil-for-Food scandal. The scandal, which involved the misuse of funds from a humanitarian programme, led to his resignation from the cabinet in December 2005. The controversy tarnished his reputation and marked a significant turning point in his career.

The Post-Congress Years

In 2006, Natwar Singh was suspended from the Congress party, marking the end of his long association with the party. His political journey took another turn when he joined the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in 2008, only to be expelled within four months due to alleged indiscipline and disagreements with the party leadership. This period was marked by a sense of political instability and a gradual decline in his influence.

Despite these setbacks, Natwar Singh remained a vocal and active figure in Indian politics. His criticisms of Sonia Gandhi and the Congress leadership were particularly notable, especially after his expulsion from the party. His relationship with the Congress, once close and loyal, had soured, leading to public confrontations and a distancing from the party's inner circle.

The Autobiography: A Controversial Legacy

In 2014, Natwar Singh published his autobiography, One Life is Not Enough. The book, as its title suggests, attempted to encapsulate the numerous phases of his life, from his early days in Bharatpur to his time in the Indian Foreign Service and his turbulent political career. The autobiography created a stir for its candid revelations, particularly about the Congress party and Sonia Gandhi. Singh's portrayal of his relationship with Sonia Gandhi, along with his account of the Volcker report and his subsequent resignation, sparked controversy.

The Congress party quickly dismissed the book, accusing Singh of distorting facts and sensationalising events to boost sales. Sonia Gandhi herself rejected the claims made in the book, hinting at her own plans to write an autobiography to present her version of events. Critics were divided on the book, with some praising its insights into Indian politics, while others viewed it as a one-sided narrative aimed at settling old scores.

Kunwar Natwar Singh's life was a remarkable journey through the heights of diplomacy and the vicissitudes of Indian politics. His contributions to India's foreign policy, especially during his tenure as a diplomat, were significant and left a lasting impact. However, his political career was marred by controversy, particularly the Iraqi Oil-for-Food scandal, which overshadowed many of his achievements.

Natwar Singh's story is one of ambition, power, and the often harsh realities of political life. His legacy is complex, reflecting both his successes and the controversies that dogged his later years. Despite the challenges, he remained a significant figure in Indian public life until his passing in August 2024. His life and career offer valuable lessons on the intricate interplay between diplomacy and politics in India.