PM condoles passing away of former Air Commodore Jasjit Singh

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has condoled the passing away of eminent strategic thinker and former director of the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), Air Commodore (Retired) Jasjit Singh.

In his condolence message, Dr. Singh said: "I was deeply saddened by the passing away of Air Commodore (Retd) Jasjit Singh, a brave soldier, an inspirational military leader, a brilliant strategic thinker and a prolific author on military affairs. I also knew him to be a warm, kind and compassionate human being."

"The nation is grateful for his enormous service to the nation - on the battlefield, in training generations of Air Force leaders, in building institutions such as the Institute of Defence and Strategic Analysis and Centre for Air Power Studies and providing intellectual vision for India's defence and strategic planning," he said.

"I am sure that his writings and the institutions that he helped build will continue to serve our country well," he added.

78-year-old Singh died here on Sunday after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

A professional to the core, Air Commodore Singh taught flying to several officers, who eventually occupied senior positions in the Indian Air Force (IAF).

After retiring from IDSA, Air Commodore Singh set up the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS), a think tank dedicated to modern and futurisitc air power trends.

He also wrote and edited an astonishing number of books. As IDSA director, he also provided valuable inputs to the government about the likely global implications of the nuclear tests carried out in May 1998.

Born 8 July, 1934, Air Commodore Jasjit Singh was awarded the Vir Chakra for displaying gallantry during the 1971 war against Pakistan. As Squadron Leader, he led an aerial attack and destroyed several Pakistani tanks and bunkers.

In 2006, President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam conferred the Padma Bhushan, the country's second highest civilian award, on him for his contributions to strategic thought.