Former diplomat and Padma Bhushan awardee Chandrashekhar Dasgupta passed away on March 5, 2023, at the age of 95. Dasgupta was a distinguished civil servant who served as India’s ambassador to several countries, including Spain, Portugal, and Norway.
Born in Kolkata in 1928, Dasgupta joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1951 and served in various capacities in the Ministry of External Affairs. He was posted to the Indian Embassy in Washington DC in the 1960s and played a key role in the negotiations for the Indo-US Nuclear Cooperation Agreement in 2008.
Dasgupta was also a scholar of international relations and authored several books on the subject. He was known for his nuanced understanding of global politics and was highly respected in diplomatic circles for his insights.
In recognition of his services, Dasgupta was awarded the Padma Bhushan, the third-highest civilian award in India, in 1990. He was also honored with the Jawaharlal Nehru Award for International Understanding in 1994.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences on Twitter, saying, “Saddened by the demise of former diplomat and Padma Bhushan awardee Shri Chandrashekhar Dasgupta. His contributions to India’s foreign policy and international relations will always be remembered. My thoughts are with his family and well-wishers in this hour of grief.”
The Indian Foreign Service Association also paid tribute to Dasgupta, saying, “We mourn the passing of Ambassador Chandrashekhar Dasgupta, an outstanding civil servant and diplomat. His contribution to India’s foreign policy will always be remembered. May his soul rest in peace.”
Dasgupta was known for his humility and simplicity, despite his distinguished career. He remained committed to public service even after retirement and was involved in various social initiatives in his hometown of Kolkata.
In his memoir, “India and the World: Selected Writings of Chandrashekhar Dasgupta”, published in 2017, he wrote about his experiences as a diplomat and offered insights into India’s foreign policy.