New Delhi: Former Defence Minister Jaswant Singh passed away today at the age of 82. Singh had a cardiac arrest at Delhi's Army Hospital (Research & Referral) this morning, where he was admitted in June this year.
A statement released from the hospital said, ''It is with profound grief that we inform about the sad demise of Honourable Major Jaswant Singh (Retired), former Cabinet Minister of the 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".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death and said that Singh had diligently served the nation both as a soldier as well as a politician.
'' 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."
The former Indian Army officer held the portfolios of defence, finance and external affairs in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee cabinet between 1998 and 2004.