Former Union Minister and BJP senior leader Jaswant Singh passed away on Sunday. He was a retired officer of the Indian Army and was one of the founding members of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his Twitter handle wrote, “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.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also mourned the loss of the 82-year-old leader saying, “Deeply pained by the passing away of veteran BJP leader and 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.”