Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick is delighted to welcome Jaswant Singh one of India's most respected public figures as its latest Professor.

Currently leader of the opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Jaswant Singh is a seven term Member of the Indian Parliament. He has headed six core Ministries of the Government of India, including Finance, Defence and External Affairs.

He served as Finance Minister until the defeat of the Government of Prime Minister Vajpayee in May 2004. He was instrumental in pushing thorough market-friendly reforms of the government. He is known for his moderate political views and is a self styled liberal democrat. He was Outstanding Parliamentarian of the Year in 2001.

As well as serving in many high offices of state he also headed the National task Forces on India's software, hardware and infrastructure policies.

He is a man of tremendous experience and is recognised internationally for his integrity.

"He has vast experience in international affairs and has been a key player in the modernisation of the Indian economy. The relationship between Britain and India is of huge importance both for the countries concerned and for the Warwick Manufacturing Group; it is a vast market growing at over 8% a year. We are keen to expand our activities in India and having the knowledge of Jaswant Singh to support us in that task will be a tremendously valuable", said Professor Lord Bhattacharyya, Director of the Warwick Manufacturing Group.

He added, "Despite being a busy politician he is an author, historiographer and bibliophile who has managed to write six books. A review of his book Defending India described him as; "that rare thing a thinking politician". I am sure he will be a great asset to the Group and to the University."

For further information please contact:

Nick Matthews, Warwick Manufacturing Group,
University of Warwick 024 76 572 506