Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, widely recognized as India’s Foreign Minister, has been pivotal in reshaping India’s presence on the global stage. Born on January 9, 1955, in Delhi to a Tamil family, Jaishankar’s early years were marked by an insatiable curiosity for global affairs. He pursued a robust academic path, earning an MA, MPhil, and PhD in International Relations and Nuclear Diplomacy, setting the foundation for his illustrious career.
Jaishankar’s entry into the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1977 marked the beginning of a journey that would see him navigating complex diplomatic waters. His early assignments took him to critical postings in Moscow, Sri Lanka, Budapest, Hungary, and Japan, where he honed his skills in international diplomacy. However, it was his role as India’s Ambassador to the United States from 2004 to 2007 that became a turning point in his career. During this time, he played a central role in negotiating the landmark civil nuclear agreement between India and the U.S., a deal that lifted India’s nuclear isolation and allowed it access to critical nuclear technology and fuel. Despite facing significant international resistance, Jaishankar’s strategic diplomacy proved instrumental in turning the tide in India’s favor.
Beyond the nuclear deal, Jaishankar’s career has been defined by his ability to manage challenging geopolitical situations. His stint as India’s Ambassador to China from 2009 to 2013 was marked by his deft handling of the often tense Indo-China relations. Notably, during the 2017 Doklam standoff—a critical border issue involving India, China, and Bhutan—Jaishankar’s negotiation skills and trilateral diplomacy efforts helped de-escalate tensions, earning respect even from Chinese officials who likened him to a soldier in his resolute approach.
Dr. Jaishankar’s influence extended beyond traditional diplomacy. When Narendra Modi became India’s Prime Minister in 2014, he recognized Jaishankar’s talent and appointed him as India’s Foreign Secretary. From 2015 to 2018, Jaishankar strengthened India’s ties with powerful nations like the U.S., Russia, and Japan, laying the groundwork for India’s rising status as a global power. His contributions were not always in the spotlight, but they laid the foundation for several key foreign policy shifts.
In 2019, Jaishankar was appointed as India’s Foreign Minister—a rare achievement for someone without a conventional political background. During his tenure, he has been a key architect behind India’s strategic stance in the evolving global order. Notably, he guided India’s balanced approach during the Russia-Ukraine conflict of 2022, ensuring India’s interests were safeguarded while maintaining relations with both Western nations and Russia. His leadership during ‘Operation Ganga,’ which successfully evacuated over 22,500 Indian citizens from Ukraine, showcased his commitment to India’s humanitarian values.
Jaishankar’s diplomatic acumen has earned him accolades, even from India’s traditional rivals. His strategic vision played a crucial role in India’s move to abrogate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, a decision that required convincing the global community to recognize it as an internal matter of India. By positioning India as a responsible global player, Jaishankar has helped navigate through sensitive international issues, from border disputes with China to maintaining energy security amid global sanctions on Russia.
Dr. S. Jaishankar’s story is one of dedication, strategy, and a relentless pursuit of India’s interests on the world stage. His tenure has fundamentally altered India’s diplomatic landscape, making him a key figure in India’s rise as a global power. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi may be the face of India’s global presence, it is Jaishankar’s behind-the-scenes efforts that have helped shape India’s current foreign policy trajectory. As he continues to serve in Modi’s third term, the world watches to see what new milestones India’s top diplomat will achieve next.
