Search

S. Jaishankar: The Boss Foreign Minister of India

Shakti Rishi
Jul 12, 2024
5 min read

Geopolitical landscape is a battle field and no one knows it better than a foreign minister. The job of an External Affairs Minister is equivalent to walking on a tight rope; always vigilant of country's rapport at the international front. From dealing with diverse array of countries, striving to strike a balance between national interest and international cooperation, global security, negotiating deals, navigating cultural differences, ensuring safety of citizens living abroad, responding responsibly to sensitive issues, and what not. In short, an EAM is the face of the country and carries the weight of the nation in the global landscape.

The challenge further intensifies for especially the third world countries. EAMs from smaller or less powerful nations may struggle to have their voices heard and interests considered and are constantly bullied. One of the reasons being, most of these countries are not economically powerful and are hence dependent on financial aid and investments from international organisations, because of which they cannot negotiate their terms beyond a certain degree and often have to follow the dictums of those who have a significant influence on global affairs.

In such a scenario, the firebrand leader, Sushma Swaraj stood as a power to reckon with for India. As an EAM she was Assertive, Eloquent, Clear and a Hard Core Patriot. But her sudden demise in 2019 was an irreparable loss for India. A void that seemed hard to fill and India was Worried! After a lot of unrest and uncertainty, Modi finally made S Jaishankar as the EAM. Despite many objections from members of his party, Mr. Modi trusted Jaishankars' ability because of his 4 decade long diplomatic career. Not only does he come from a family of civil servants, he has himself served as an IFS officer for 38 years. During his tenure as an IFS, he fulfilled his duties impeccably. From negotiating deals with Singapore for the expansion of Indian Businesses in their country (the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement), to managing Sino-Indian Border Dispute in China, he has time and again proven his ability to handle situations diplomatically and powerfully.

Where on one hand third world countries suffer bullying at the hands of west and the developed countries, India stand its ground and EAM Jaishankar makes it evident every single time that he is not someone to be messed with. All such instances of bada**ery have made him the hot favourite of not just Indians but all the politicians of third world countries.

S Jaishankar Schools Pakistani Reporter on Terrorism

When attacked with the question, "How long will south Asia see terrorism disseminating from New Delhi, Kabul and Pakistan?" that too by a Pakistani TV reporter. Ahh!!! The Audacity...

Jaishankar without hesitating shut him up by saying that he should ask this question to the ministers of Pakistan because only they can tell for how long they plan to practice terrorism.

Jaishankar on Buying Oil from Russia Despite EU Sanctions

When repeatedly questioned about supporting Russia amidst Russia-Ukraine war by importing oil from Russia despite EU Sanctions, Jaishankar unhesitantly quoted the figures of European Union imports from Russia between February and November - 6 times more oil, 50 billion Euros gas and 50% more coal imports than India. And he made it clear that buying oil has nothing to do with politics and for India it is nothing more than getting a good deal for Oil.

Also during Munich Security Conference when the Journalist in an attempt to put him down quoted, "India has multiple choice Mindset" to which Jaishankar replied astutely,

"Is that a problem? Why should it be a problem if I (India) am smart enough to have multiple options. You should be admiring me."

Assertive Response to The Bullying of Print's Reporter

When Print's Reporter was trying to play smart with Jaishankar and frame the same question in different ways - "On Who's side is India amidst Russia-Ukraine war".

Jaishankar stood his ground and communicated straight that India is not taking any sides and neither is sitting on the fence. India is sitting on its own ground. And all India stands for is Peace and harmony.

"I am not sitting on the fence just because I don't agree with you. It means I am sitting on my ground,"

Beer Biceps very rightly called him the Poster Boy of India. Jaishankar's funda is clear, "if you get pushed, you've got to push back". He takes no nonsense or bullying from anyone.

India has become a wise, assertive, formidable player in the geopolitical arena largely due to unpressured, undaunted - S Jaishankar

Lessons to Learn from S Jaishankar

S. Jaishankar is the epitome of 'Boss Attitude'. He fears no one and is absolutely clear about what is best for India and acts accordingly. He is least interested in appeasing anyone and knows how to negotiate his terms diplomatically. And the way he uses 'I' every time while talking about India; he proudly represents and owns up that 'He' is India.

Imbibe this Boss Attitude in yourself with our 'Boss Graphic T-shirt'.

FAQs

Q: What makes the role of an External Affairs Minister (EAM) challenging, especially for third world countries?

A: The role of an EAM is challenging because it involves:

Walking a tightrope to maintain the country's international rapport
Balancing national interests with international cooperation
Dealing with global security issues
Negotiating deals and navigating cultural differences
Ensuring safety of citizens living abroad
Responding to sensitive issues diplomatically

For third world countries, additional challenges include:

Struggling to have their voices heard in global affairs
Dealing with economic dependence on financial aid and investments
Facing potential bullying from more powerful nations

Q: Who is S. Jaishankar?

A: S. Jaishankar is India's current Minister of External Affairs. He's a former diplomat with 38 years of experience in the Indian Foreign Service before joining politics. Known for his assertive and clear communication style, he's become a prominent figure in India's foreign policy.

Q: What are S. Jaishankar's qualifications?

A: S. Jaishankar holds a Ph.D. in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University. He served as an Indian Foreign Service officer for 38 years, including roles as India's Ambassador to China and the United States. His extensive diplomatic experience made him a natural choice for the role of External Affairs Minister.

Q: What is S. Jaishankar's stance on Russia-Ukraine conflict?

A: Jaishankar has maintained that India's position is independent and focused on its own interests. He's defended India's oil purchases from Russia, citing economic necessity, while also calling for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. He's emphasized that India is "on its own side" rather than choosing between conflicting parties.

Q: Why is S. Jaishankar popular on social media?

A: Jaishankar has gained popularity for his sharp, no-nonsense responses to criticism of India's foreign policy. His ability to articulate India's position clearly and confidently, especially in interactions with Western media, has resonated with many Indians who appreciate his assertive stance on the global stage.