Explain S Jaishankar in 500 words
Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, commonly known as S. Jaishankar, is an Indian diplomat and politician who has played a significant role in shaping India's foreign policy. Born on January 9, 1955, in New Delhi, he comes from a family with a strong background in diplomacy. His father, K. Subrahmanyam, was a renowned strategic affairs analyst, and his mother, Sulochana, was a well-known social worker.
Jaishankar completed his schooling from Air Force Central School in Delhi and went on to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University. He then obtained a Master's degree in Political Science and an M.Phil in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he specialized in nuclear diplomacy.
In 1977, Jaishankar joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), a highly prestigious civil service that handles India's external affairs. Throughout his career, he has held several important positions both in India and abroad. He has served as India's Ambassador to the United States, China, and the Czech Republic, and has also held key positions in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi.
Jaishankar is widely regarded as a seasoned diplomat with a deep understanding of international relations. His expertise lies in strategic affairs, security issues, and economic diplomacy. During his tenure as India's Ambassador to the United States from 2013 to 2015, he played a crucial role in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two countries. He was instrumental in the successful negotiation of several key agreements, including the civil nuclear agreement and defense cooperation agreements.
In 2015, Jaishankar was appointed as the Foreign Secretary of India, the highest-ranking position in the Indian Foreign Service. During his tenure, he focused on enhancing India's engagement with major global powers and expanding its influence in international forums. He played a key role in shaping India's foreign policy, particularly in areas such as counterterrorism, climate change, and economic diplomacy.
After retiring from the Indian Foreign Service in 2018, Jaishankar entered politics and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In May 2019, he was appointed as the Minister of External Affairs in the second term of the Narendra Modi-led government. As the Foreign Minister, Jaishankar has been actively involved in promoting India's interests on the global stage. He has been a strong advocate for India's strategic autonomy and has worked towards strengthening India's partnerships with countries in the Indo-Pacific region.
Jaishankar's tenure as the Foreign Minister has been marked by his proactive approach and his ability to navigate complex international dynamics. He has played a crucial role in shaping India's response to various global challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, border disputes with neighboring countries, and the evolving geopolitical landscape.
In conclusion, S. Jaishankar is a highly accomplished diplomat and politician who has made significant contributions to India's foreign policy. With his vast experience and expertise in strategic affairs, he has played a crucial role in enhancing India's global standing and promoting its interests on the international stage. His diplomatic skills, deep understanding of international relations, and commitment to India's national interests make him a key figure in shaping India's future in the global arena.