When Narendra Modi appointed S Jaishankar as External Affairs Minister in 2019, it wasn’t just a cabinet pick—it was a statement. The man whom Manmohan Singh had earmarked for greatness was repeatedly overlooked by Congress, yet Modi saw his potential and installed him directly, no elections required.
Jaishankar’s diplomatic pedigree is legendary. From policy planning in South Block to high-wire ambassadorships in Prague, Washington, and Beijing, he mastered the art of realpolitik. Singh’s admiration peaked during the 2008 NSG waiver battle, where Jaishankar’s role was pivotal. Slated for Foreign Secretary, he was edged out in a decision that stunned Delhi’s bureaucratic circles, attributed to Congress’s preference for loyalists.
Modi’s 2019 masterstroke changed everything. Jaishankar entered the Modi 2.0 cabinet, bringing gravitas to foreign policy. His handling of the 2020 Ladakh standoff, QUAD revival, and I2U2 grouping showcased strategic depth. Domestically, his Rajya Sabha speeches dismantle opposition narratives with historical facts and sharp wit.
Today, with conflicts raging from Ukraine to West Asia, Jaishankar’s multi-alignment strategy—friends across aisles, foes kept at bay—positions India as a global pivot. The Congress era’s neglect contrasts sharply with Modi’s trust, underscoring a shift from patronage to performance.
Jaishankar’s saga inspires: in politics or bureaucracy, true competence finds its stage, propelling India towards its tryst with superpower status.