London: Leading NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul today expressed grief over the death of Khushwant Singh, saying India has lost a true stalwart and a superb author. "In the death of Khushwant ji, we have lost a true stalwart of India and a superb author and journalist. He was one of the greatest Indian nationals we have seen," Paul said. "Khushwant ji led a very illustrious and distinguished life and I learn that he wrote his last column only two weeks ago. With almost 100 books to his name and countless pieces in the press he has left a remarkable legacy," he said.

Paul said Khushwant was held in the highest esteem by everyone. "Our affection for him was boundless. We will miss his soaring intellect, his talent, his enthusiasm and his wonderful sense of homour," he said. The country will miss him and he will be mourned by all of us, Paul said. Khushwant, one of the finest Indian writers in English in contemporary times, died in Delhi today at the age of 99. As a journalist he had edited the now defunct Illustrated Weekly of India (1979-1980) and later the Hindustan Times (1980-83). His weekly column 'With Malice Towards One and All' was very popular and was syndicated in many dailies. Khushwant, an outstanding novelist and a forthright political commentator, was nominated to Rajya Sabha by the government under late Indira Gandhi. He was a Member of Parliament from 1980 to 1986.