Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and former Union minister Jaswant Singh died early on Sunday morning at Delhi’s Army Hospital (Research & Referral). He was 82.

The hospital in a statement said that Singh had suffered a cardiac arrest while he was being treated for sepsis with multi organ dysfunction syndrome, ANI reported. He could not be resuscitated, they said.

Singh held the finance, external affairs and defence portfolios during his career. He was an Indian Army officer before he joined politics.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi mourned his death, saying Singh will be remembered for his “unique perspective on matters of politics and society”. “He also contributed to the strengthening of the BJP. I will always remember our interactions.”

President Ram Nath Kovind also paid tribute to Singh. “The demise of veteran soldier, outstanding parliamentarian, exceptional leader and intellectual Shri Jaswant Singh is distressing,” he tweeted. “He combined many difficult roles with ease and equanimity. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he was “deeply pained” by the news, saying Singh would be remembered for “his intellectual capabilities and stellar record in service to the nation”.