PM Modi Hails EAM Jaishankar’s Pivotal Role In Shaping India’s Foreign Policy On His Birthday

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended warm birthday wishes to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, lauding his decades-long diplomatic service and his central role in strengthening India’s foreign policy and international relations.

Taking to the social media platform X, PM Modi wrote, “Best wishes to Dr S Jaishankar Ji on his birthday. He has served the nation as a distinguished diplomat and is now playing a key role in strengthening India’s foreign policy and ties with the world. Praying for his long and healthy life.”

Born on January 9, 1955, in New Delhi, Jaishankar is widely recognised as one of India’s most experienced diplomats to transition into active politics.

He became the country’s first career diplomat to be appointed as External Affairs Minister in 2019, following his tenure as Foreign Secretary from 2015 to 2018.

Jaishankar grew up in a Tamil family renowned for its intellectual and strategic traditions. His father, Krishnaswamy Subrahmanyam, significantly influenced India’s defence and nuclear policies. Jaishankar earned degrees in Political Science from St Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, and completed an MPhil and PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University, specialising in nuclear diplomacy. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1977.

Key Diplomatic Assignments

Jaishankar’s early postings included Moscow, Washington, Colombo, Budapest, and Tokyo. He then served as India’s Ambassador to China from 2009 to 2013, followed by his tenure as Ambassador to the United States from 2013 to 2015. During these assignments, he actively handled sensitive diplomatic issues, including territorial assertions and strained bilateral relations.

Earlier in his career, he played a key role in negotiating the Indo-US civil nuclear deal of 2005. As Foreign Secretary, he also coordinated India’s response to the 2015 Nepal earthquake, ensuring swift humanitarian assistance.

Since becoming External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar has actively steered India’s diplomacy through global challenges. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he led initiatives such as Vaccine Maitri and the Vande Bharat Mission, helping millions of Indian citizens and supplying vaccines to over 75 countries.

Furthermore, he strengthened strategic partnerships with major powers, including the United States, Russia, and Japan. At the same time, he deepened India’s engagement with multilateral platforms such as ASEAN and the European Union, reinforcing the country’s global presence.

In June 2024, Modi reappointed Jaishankar in his third cabinet, recognising his continued importance in shaping India’s foreign policy. With over three decades of diplomatic experience and fluency in multiple languages, he actively defines India’s strategic direction and enhances its role on the world stage.

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