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Arun Singh becomes Jaswant aide

Special Correspondent in New Delhi

Former Union minister of state for defence Arun Singh, a trusted aide of late Rajiv Gandhi, will play a key role in the external affairs ministry.

Singh, who resigned from the defence ministry in 1987 as allegations of Bofors kickbacks rocked the Rajiv ministry, is expected to assist External Affairs Minister Jaswant Singh.

Though reports say that he would function as an officer on special duty, there is no official confirmation. Singh had earned accolades for his handling of the defence portfolio under Rajiv Gandhi.

Sources said he has been roped in to strengthen New Delhi's diplomatic arsenal against Pakistan in the wake of the Kargil conflict.

He is also expected to ensure an effective interface between the external affairs and defence ministries in this regard.

The decision comes close on the heels of Jaswant Singh's son Manvendra Singh's induction into the defence ministry's communications wing.

Manvendra, who had a long stint with Indian Express as a journalist, is expected to play a crucial role in the defence ministry's public relations.

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