ABOUT Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, commonly known as S. Jaishankar, is a preeminent Indian diplomat and politician who currently serves as the Minister of External Affairs of India. His career has been marked by significant contributions to India's foreign diplomacy, and he is credited for his pivotal role in shaping India's contemporary foreign policy. A seasoned diplomat, Jaishankar has held numerous key positions within the Indian Foreign Service and is renowned for his expertise in international relations, especially concerning India’s strategic interests.
BEFORE FAME Born on January 9, 1955, S. Jaishankar hails from a distinguished Tamil family. He is the son of K. Subrahmanyam, a well-respected Indian strategic affairs analyst. Jaishankar's academic career includes a BA in Chemistry from St. Stephen's College, Delhi University, and an MA and M.Phil in Political Science and International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University. Joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1977, he began a career that would see him rise through the ranks by virtue of his intellect and unyielding dedication to diplomatic service.
TRIVIA Over his illustrious career, S. Jaishankar has served as India’s ambassador to the United States, China, and the Czech Republic, and as High Commissioner to Singapore. In 2013, he played a critical role in defusing the Indo-China military standoff in Ladakh. Notably, Jaishankar was awarded the Padma Shri in 2019, one of India's highest civilian honors, for his exemplary service in the field of civil diplomacy.
FAMILY LIFE S. Jaishankar is married to Kyoko Jaishankar, of Japanese origin, and the couple has three children — two sons and a daughter. His family background is deeply rooted in academia and strategic affairs, which has influenced his professional orientation towards foreign diplomacy and international relations. He maintains a balance between his high-profile career and personal life, successfully harmonizing the demands of both.
ASSOCIATED WITH S. Jaishankar has been closely associated with some of India's most significant political and diplomatic figures. Under the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he was appointed as the Foreign Secretary of India in 2015, a role in which he was instrumental until his retirement in 2018. Soon after, in 2019, he was inducted into Modi's cabinet as the Minister of External Affairs, underscoring his pivotal role in shaping India's global engagement strategies. His work remains instrumental in fortifying India’s diplomatic ties and addressing global challenges.
In summation, S. Jaishankar's contributions to Indian diplomacy have deeply impacted India's status in the global arena, underscoring his legacy as one of India's most prominent diplomats.
