NEW DELHI, Sept. 27 (Xinhua) -- India's former federal minister Jaswant Singh died on Sunday at the age of 82.
He had held crucial portfolios including defense, finance and external affairs ministers from 1998 to 2004 in the government headed by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences at Singh's demise, saying he had strengthened the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), currently the main ruling party in the country.
"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," tweeted Modi.
"Jaswant Singh 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," he added. Enditem
