Banglok: During an interaction with the Indian community in Bangkok, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar expressed his admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's exceptional ability to understand various issues and translate them into effective policies and programs. Reflecting on his own transition from being a diplomat to a politician, Jaishankar remarked that while he had always worked alongside politicians as a diplomat, venturing into the relentless and non-stop world of politics without weekends was an entirely different experience.

Jaishankar expressed his belief that India has been incredibly fortunate to have someone like Prime Minister Modi during this time. He emphasized that his appreciation was not merely due to Modi being the current prime minister and Jaishankar being a member of his cabinet. Instead, he highlighted Modi's grounded nature and his remarkable response to the once-in-a-century health challenge posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Jaishankar commended Modi's ability to address the health crisis while also considering the needs of the people, such as ensuring their well-being, providing food, and transferring money into their accounts. He noted that many people would not have even considered the idea that women could handle money management better, demonstrating Modi's practical and inclusive approach.

According to Jaishankar, great leaders are individuals who possess a strong grounding in reality, extensive experience, and an extraordinary vision to elevate the country to new heights. He believed that such leaders, who possess both practicality and vision, are extremely rare and come along once in a lifetime.

During the interaction, when asked about a book he had written earlier, Jaishankar shared his views on diplomacy. He stated that in his opinion, the best diplomat of all time is Lord Hanuman, a prominent figure from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Jaishankar mentioned that during a gap year between his diplomatic career and entering politics, he wrote a book exploring how the Mahabharata could serve as a guide for dealing with international politics. However, when considering the question of who he believes is the best diplomat, he unequivocally answered Lord Hanuman. Jaishankar praised Lord Hanuman's role as a diplomat in the Ramayana, where he embarked on a mission on behalf of Lord Rama to an unknown territory, dealing with limited information. He highlighted Hanuman's ability to gather intelligence, establish contact with Sita, boost her morale, and eventually succeed in his mission.

In summary, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership qualities, describing him as a grounded and visionary leader who effectively addresses the nation's challenges. Additionally, Jaishankar expressed his admiration for Lord Hanuman, considering him the epitome of diplomacy based on his role in the Ramayana.

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