Beyond journalism, Dua played an active role in public life.

Veteran Journalist H.K. Dua, Former Rajya Sabha MP and Padma Bhushan Awardee, Dies at 88

Veteran journalist H.K. Dua, who also served as a diplomat and Rajya Sabha member, died in New Delhi on Wednesday at 88. According to a family member, he died at a private hospital where he had been undergoing treatment for the past three weeks following prolonged illness. His cremation will take place on Thursday at the Lodhi Road cremation ground.

Born on July 1, 1937, Dua built a distinguished career in Indian journalism marked by his strong advocacy for editorial independence. Over the decades, he held some of the most influential positions in the media industry, including Editor of Hindustan Times (1987–1994), Editor of The Indian Express (1994–1996), and Editor-in-Chief of The Tribune (2003–2009). He also served as Editorial Advisor to The Times of India between 1997 and 1998.

Beyond journalism, Dua played an active role in public life. He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha from 2009 to 2015, contributing significantly to discussions on foreign policy and national security. He also served as media advisor to former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee and H.D. Deve Gowda.

Dua represented India as Ambassador to Denmark from 2001 to 2003 and was a member of the National Security Advisory Board. He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan and awarded honorary D.Litt degrees by Panjab University and Kurukshetra University.