Sushma Swaraj (1952-2019) was a prominent Indian politician, lawyer, and diplomat who played a pivotal role in Indian politics for over four decades. Born on February 14, 1952, in Ambala, Haryana, she entered politics early, becoming the youngest cabinet minister in Haryana at age 25 in 1977. A senior leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Swaraj was elected seven times to the Lok Sabha as a Member of Parliament and three times to state assemblies. She served as the Chief Minister of Delhi in 1998, marking her as the first woman to hold that position, albeit for a brief 52-day term. Her career also included stints as Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Health and Family Welfare, and Law and Justice in various governments.

Swaraj's most notable tenure was as India's Minister of External Affairs from 2014 to 2019 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, making her the second woman after Indira Gandhi to hold this office and the second person after Jawaharlal Nehru to complete a full five-year term. During this period, she was a key figure in India's foreign policy, significantly elevating India's foreign relations, particularly strengthening ties with Israel to a strategic partnership level, which was instrumental during key diplomatic engagements. Known for her articulate communication and use of social media to connect with the Indian diaspora and address consular issues, Swaraj was widely admired for her accessibility and efficiency in handling international crises.

Throughout her career, Swaraj was recognized for her oratory skills and commitment to public service, often bridging traditional politics with modern outreach. She passed away on August 6, 2019, due to a cardiac arrest, leaving behind a legacy as one of India's most influential female politicians. Her contributions to foreign policy and women's representation in governance continue to be celebrated.