Veteran diplomat Arundhati passes away

NEW DELHI: Eminent diplomat Arundhati Ghose, who was India’s ambassador to the UN and played a decisive role in India’s negotiations on Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), passed away late Monday night at the age of 76.

She was suffering from cancer and breathed her last at around 12:30am at her residence in Palam Vihar in West Delhi, a family member said.

During her illustrious career, Ghose had served in a number of positions including in Indian Missions in Austria, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, South Korea and Egypt. She was also the first Indian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Offices in Geneva.

Ghose was head of Indian delegation to the conference on the CTBT in Geneva in 1996 and she is hailed for strongly outlining India’s position in opposing the treaty. Vice President Hamid Ansari, condoling the passing away of Ghose, said she will be remembered for her services to the nation, including for her role as head of the Indian delegation at the CTBT negotiations.

Ghose, who was born on November 25, 1939, and grew up in Mumbai.