Henry Kissinger has died at 100.

As National Security Advisor and Secretary of State under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, Kissinger was a key architect of American diplomacy during a tumultuous era marked by the Cold War, the Vietnam War, and a reshaping of global alliances. The U.S., under Nixon and Kissinger, sided with Pakistan, a decision influenced by their strategic interests in the region and their relationship with Pakistani leader Yahya Khan, who was instrumental in facilitating the opening of U.S.-China relations. This stance led to strained relations with India, which was supporting East Pakistan's (now Bangladesh) independence movement.

Kissinger's instrumental role in opening diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China also had implications for India. The U.S.'s closer ties with China were seen in India as a strategic counterbalance against its interests, especially since India had fought a war with China in 1962 and had ongoing border disputes.

Kissinger was also involved in the U.S. response to India's nuclear program. After India conducted its first nuclear test in 1974, the U.S., under Kissinger's guidance, became concerned about nuclear proliferation in South Asia. This led to efforts to impose sanctions and promote non-proliferation in the region.

Despite these conflicts, Kissinger also recognised the importance of India as a regional power. He made efforts to engage with Indian leaders and to balance U.S. relations between India and Pakistan, although this was often seen as tilting more towards Pakistan. Kissinger's policies towards India were often criticised for being too focused on realpolitik and not sufficiently considering democratic values and human rights issues, especially during the Bangladesh Liberation War. His approach set the tone for U.S.-India relations during the Cold War era, which were often marked by distrust and strategic rivalry.

Born in Germany in 1923, Kissinger immigrated to the United States in 1938 to escape Nazi persecution. He rose through the academic ranks as a political scientist before entering the political arena. His tenure in government was notable for a series of bold and often controversial moves: the opening of relations with the People's Republic of China, détente with the Soviet Union, the secret bombing campaigns in Cambodia during the Vietnam War, and his role in the 1973 Yom Kippur War which led to the disengagement agreements between Israel, Egypt, and Syria.

Kissinger's strategies, often described as realpolitik, were praised for their pragmatism and effectiveness in navigating the complexities of international relations. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1973 for his efforts in negotiating a ceasefire in Vietnam, a decision that was and remains deeply controversial.

However, his legacy is also marked by criticism and controversy. His policies in Southeast Asia, particularly Vietnam and Cambodia, and his support for authoritarian regimes in Latin America and elsewhere were criticised for prioritising geopolitical interests over human rights concerns.

After leaving office, Kissinger remained an influential figure in global affairs, often sought for his expertise and counsel by leaders and policymakers. His writings and commentaries continued to shape discussions on international relations and foreign policy.

Kissinger's death marks the end of an era. He was a figure who evoked admiration and criticism in equal measure, and his impact on international relations and U.S. foreign policy will be studied and debated for years to come. His passing is not only the loss of a major political figure but also a reminder of the complexities and challenges of global diplomacy in the 20th century.