Veteran journalist, former diplomat H.K. Dua dies at 88

• Veteran journalist and former diplomat Hari Krishan Dua passed away on March 4. He was 88.

• He was honoured with Padma Bhushan in 1998.

• Dua served as a media advisor to two Prime Ministers — Atal Behari Vajpayee and H.D. Deve Gowda — and transitioned into the roles of a diplomat and parliamentarian. 

• Dua served as editor of The Hindustan Times (1987-94), Editor-in-Chief of The Indian Express (1994-96) and The Tribune (2003-09) and Editorial Advisor for The Times of India (1997-98).

• He also served as India’s ambassador to Denmark (2001-2003).

• He was a nominated member of Rajya Sabha (2009-2015), where he contributed significantly to debates on foreign affairs and national security. 

• He was also part of several parliamentary committees, including the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Home Affairs.

• Dua also served on the National Security Advisory Board and received honorary doctorates from Punjab and Kurukshetra Universities for his contributions.

• He received several other awards, including the Durga Ratan award and the Bal Gangadhar Tilak award for excellence in journalism.