About
Political Independent and former member of the Bharatiya Janata Party who served his native India as Minister of Finance (in 1996 and from 2002 to 2004); Minister of Defense (from 2000 to 2001); and Minister of External Affairs (from 1998 until 2002).
Before Fame
After attending India's National Defense Academy, he served in the Indian Army. In 1980, he was elected to the Indian parliament's upper house.
Trivia
After meeting with American President Bill Clinton in the aftermath of India's controversial nuclear weapons tests, he successfully repaired his country's relationship with the United States and earned a reputation as a skilled negotiator.
Family Life
He was born and raised in Rājasthān, India, which was then part of British India.
Associated With
He served as Minister of Finance, Defense, and External Affairs during the administration of Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
