NEW DELHI: S Jaishankar, who took charge as India's external affairs minister in May 2019, on Sunday took the oath as a Union minister in Modi government 3.0. The 69-year-old Jaishankar, with an illustrious four-decade diplomatic career, had transformed from being perceived as a political lightweight to a confident and assertive leader who shaped India's foreign policy amidst various geopolitical challenges.

Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar stands out as a highly knowledgeable and skilled diplomat, even among the esteemed ranks of the Indian Foreign Service. His peers and mentors praise his "realistic view of foreign policy," a perspective he has demonstrated repeatedly since 2022. Notably, he has defended India's stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict while promoting India's strategic interests within the Quad to counter expansionist moves in the Indo-Pacific region. Jaishankar has consistently maintained that normalizing Sino-Indian relations is impossible amid ongoing border tensions.

Rise of a Diplomatic Powerhouse

Over the past five years, Jaishankar has become a key figure in India's foreign diplomacy, adeptly navigating a swiftly evolving global environment. As the first Foreign Secretary to become the Foreign Minister, he has been instrumental in directing the nation's foreign policy through numerous global challenges.

A Distinguished Diplomatic Career

Entering the Indian Foreign Service in 1977, Jaishankar embarked on an illustrious career. Between 1979 and 1981, he served as the third secretary and second secretary at the Indian mission in Moscow. He also worked as an undersecretary in the Americas division of the Ministry of External Affairs, focusing on U.S. relations.

Jaishankar held several high-profile positions: Foreign Secretary (2015-2018), Ambassador to the United States (2013-2015), China (2009-2013), and the Czech Republic (2000-2004), and High Commissioner to Singapore (2007-2009).

Key Diplomatic Achievements

Architect of the Indo-US Nuclear Deal

As India's Ambassador to the United States, Jaishankar played a pivotal role in negotiating the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal. His efforts were crucial in securing this agreement, which significantly expanded India's access to civilian nuclear technology and strengthened strategic ties between the two nations.

Tenure as Foreign Secretary

During his tenure as Foreign Secretary from 2015 to 2018, Jaishankar was central in shaping India's foreign policy. He addressed critical issues, including border disputes, regional security, and economic diplomacy.

Managing the Doklam Standoff

In 2017, Jaishankar's diplomatic skills were on full display during the Doklam standoff between India and China. His strategic efforts helped de-escalate the situation, preventing a potential military conflict in the disputed border area.

Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar's career is a testament to his expertise and dedication in the field of diplomacy. From negotiating pivotal international agreements to managing complex geopolitical tensions, he has significantly shaped India's foreign policy and solidified its global standing.

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