India’s first NSA Brajesh Mishra passes away
India’s first National Security Adviser Brajesh Mishra passed away on Friday night at the age of 83 in New Delhi.
He was suffering from heart ailment for some time. His last rites will be held on Monday in the national capital. His father, Dwarka Prasad Mishra, was a former Congress chief minister of Madhya Pradesh and had been considered close to Indira Gandhi.
Barjesh Mishra played a pivotal role in the foreign policy matters and the issues relating to domestic and international policies. He pushed for the deeper engagement with the United States, forged closer ties with China and strived for melting down the Indo-Pak relations.
He also served as the principal secretary to the Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Thanks to his services for the country, he was honoured with Padma Vibhushan (India’s second highest civilian award) last year.
Barjesh Mishra was the only one who had openly criticized BJP’s opposition to the India-US nuclear deal in 2008.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh condoled his death saying the nation has lost a towering pillar of its strategic community.
“I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing away of Brajesh Mishra who was one of the most able and influential public servants of his generation,” said Manmohan.
“In his demise, the country has lost a towering pillar of our strategic community and an outstanding diplomat and administrator.”
