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Dr. S. Jaishankar is an Indian diplomat and politician who currently serves as the Minister of External Affairs of India. He has played a significant role in shaping India’s foreign policy over the years.

Early Life and Education:

Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar was born on January 9, 1955, in New Delhi, India. He hails from a distinguished family with a strong background in diplomacy. His father, K. Subrahmanyam, was a renowned strategic analyst and civil servant. Jaishankar himself has a distinguished academic background:

• He graduated in Physics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University.
• He later pursued a Master’s degree in Political Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
• He obtained a Doctorate in International Relations from the School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) at Columbia University in the United States.

Diplomatic Career:

Dr. Jaishankar joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1977. He has held a variety of prominent diplomatic posts over the course of his long career. Some key highlights of his diplomatic tenure include:

1. Ambassador to the United States: He served as India’s ambassador to the US from 2013 to 2015, a position that was crucial in enhancing India-US relations, particularly in the context of strategic cooperation and trade.
2. High Commissioner to Singapore: Prior to his assignment in the US, Dr. Jaishankar was India’s High Commissioner to Singapore from 2007 to 2009.
3. Ambassador to China: He also served as India’s Ambassador to China from 2009 to 2013, a period during which India and China faced both challenges and opportunities in their bilateral relations.
4. Additional Diplomatic Roles: Jaishankar also held various important positions in India’s foreign ministry, including as the Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, where he was involved in managing India’s relations with East Asia and other countries in the region.

Minister of External Affairs:

Dr. Jaishankar was appointed as the Minister of External Affairs in May 2019 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second term. His appointment came at a time when India was facing both regional and global challenges, including security issues, trade disputes, and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

As the External Affairs Minister, Dr. Jaishankar has played a key role in strengthening India’s position on the global stage. His approach has been characterized by a focus on multi-alignment (balancing relations with multiple powers), promoting India’s interests in international forums, and focusing on strategic autonomy. He is known for his articulate speeches and in-depth understanding of foreign policy.

Contributions to Foreign Policy:

• Indo-Pacific Strategy: He has been active in strengthening India’s role in the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on promoting regional security and economic cooperation.
• India-US Relations: Dr. Jaishankar is widely credited with being instrumental in deepening the India-US strategic partnership across various sectors, including defense, trade, and technology.
• China and Pakistan: His tenure has also involved navigating complex relationships with India’s neighbors, particularly China and Pakistan. He has been an advocate of India’s stance on national security issues, including the matter of cross-border terrorism.

Writing:

Dr. Jaishankar is also an author and has contributed writings on foreign policy. His book, “The India Way: Strategies for an Uncertain World,” published in 2020, provides insights into India’s foreign policy approach and its aspirations in the changing global order.

Personal Life:

Dr. Jaishankar is married to Kyriakie (Kiki) Jaishankar, a former diplomat. They have two children. He is known for his eloquent speaking style and often represents India at international forums, making a significant mark with his articulate and firm stand on various issues.

In summary, Dr. S. Jaishankar is a highly respected diplomat with extensive experience in foreign relations, and he continues to play a crucial role in shaping India’s global strategy as its External Affairs Minister.