Introduction:
S. Jaishankar is an accomplished Indian diplomat and politician, who currently serves as the Minister of External Affairs in the Government of India. Born on January 9, 1955, in New Delhi, Jaishankar is a career diplomat who has served in various diplomatic postings both within and outside India.
Early Life:
Jaishankar hails from a family of diplomats. His father, K Subrahmanyam, was a renowned strategic analyst and foreign policy expert who served in various capacities in the Government of India. Jaishankar completed his schooling from Air Force Central School, New Delhi, and graduated from St. Stephen's College, Delhi, with a Bachelor's degree in Economics in 1974.
Career:
Jaishankar joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1977 and has held various positions in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and in Indian missions abroad. He has served as India's Ambassador to the United States, China, and the Czech Republic.
In January 2015, Jaishankar was appointed as India's Foreign Secretary, the highest-ranking diplomat in the country. During his tenure, he played a key role in India's foreign policy initiatives, including the signing of the Paris Climate Agreement and the India-US civilian nuclear deal.
In January 2020, Jaishankar was appointed as the Minister of External Affairs, succeeding Sushma Swaraj. As the External Affairs Minister, he has led India's diplomatic efforts on various fronts, including China, Pakistan, and the United States.
Achievements:
Jaishankar is widely regarded as one of India's most accomplished diplomats. He has been instrumental in shaping India's foreign policy, especially in the areas of strategic partnerships and economic diplomacy. During his tenure as India's Foreign Secretary, he played a key role in strengthening India's ties with the United States, China, and other major powers.
As the Minister of External Affairs, Jaishankar has been actively engaged in India's neighborhood diplomacy. He has played a key role in India's outreach to countries in the Indian Ocean region, including the Maldives, Sri Lanka, and the Seychelles.
Personal Life:
Jaishankar is married to Kyoko Jaishankar, who is of Japanese origin. They have two sons, Dhruva and Amit. Jaishankar is known to be an avid reader and a keen observer of global affairs.
Conclusion:
S. Jaishankar's career as a diplomat and politician spans over four decades, during which he has played a key role in shaping India's foreign policy. His achievements as India's Foreign Secretary and External Affairs Minister have earned him a reputation as one of India's most accomplished diplomats. With his vast experience and expertise, Jaishankar is well placed to steer India's foreign policy in the coming years.