In the high-stakes world of Indian diplomacy, few careers have seen such a dramatic pivot as that of S Jaishankar. Once a career diplomat handpicked by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for top roles, Jaishankar found himself sidelined by the Congress leadership. Yet, it was Narendra Modi’s bold decision in 2019 that catapulted him straight into the Foreign Minister’s office—without even contesting an election.
Jaishankar’s journey began in the corridors of the Foreign Service, where his sharp intellect and global exposure quickly marked him as a rising star. During the UPA era, Manmohan Singh reportedly favored him for the Foreign Secretary position in 2009, recognizing his expertise in handling complex international relations, especially with the US and China. However, internal party dynamics and favoritism within Congress circles led to his exclusion. Instead, Nirupama Rao was appointed, leaving Jaishankar to serve as India’s Ambassador to the United States and later China.
The turning point came post-2019 elections. Prime Minister Modi, impressed by Jaishankar’s strategic acumen during the Wuhan summit and his no-nonsense approach to border tensions, inducted him directly into the Union Cabinet. This unprecedented move bypassed the usual electoral route, making Jaishankar the first career diplomat in decades to helm India’s foreign policy without a Lok Sabha seat. He was later elected to the Rajya Sabha from Gujarat.
Under Jaishankar’s stewardship, India’s foreign policy has undergone a transformation. From navigating the COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy to asserting India’s stance in the QUAD alliance against China, his tenure has been marked by assertive nationalism. Critics from the opposition often point to his lack of electoral experience, but supporters hail his deep domain knowledge as a key asset in an era of geopolitical flux.
Today, as tensions simmer along the LAC and global alliances shift, Jaishankar remains at the forefront, embodying Modi’s vision of a ‘Vishwa Guru’ India. His story is a testament to how personal vision can override political pedigrees, reshaping the nation’s global footprint.