S Jaishankar Retained As External Affairs Minister In Modi’s 3.0 Cabinet

Minutes after PM Narendra Modi hosted a high tea for probable new cabinet and council of ministers at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg in Delhi, S Jaishankar is set to be retained as External Affairs minister. Thus, becoming the first minister to be confirmed in Modi’s new cabinet reported Indian Express.

In the past five years, Jaishankar has recently emerged as prominent figure in Indian Diplomacy.

As first Foreign Secretary who bagged the role of foreign minister, he has played a crucial role in crafting the country’s foreign policy amidst the challenges which had upset the world order.

S Jaishankar’s Career 

After joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1977, Jaishankar began a notable journey in diplomacy.

From 1979 till 1981, He held the position of third secretary and second secretary at the Indian mission to the Soviet Union in Moscow.

In addition, he also worked as undersecretary in Ministry of External Affairs at America’s division. Where he worked in matters related to united states.

Subsequently, he served in various prominent positions, including as Foreign Secretary from 2015 to 2018, Ambassador to the United States from 2013 to 2015, Ambassador to China from 2009 to 2013, Ambassador to the Czech Republic from 2000 to 2004, and as High Commissioner to Singapore from 2007 to 2009.

Notable Diplomatic Achievements

1. Played Crucial Role in Indo-US Nuclear Deal 

As India’s ambassador to United States, Jaishankar played a crucial role in landmark Indo-US nuclear deal, which greatly increased India’s access to civilian nuclear technology. Thus, enhancing strategic collaboration between the two nations.

2. Doklam Crisis

He played a crucial role in in handling Doklam crisis involving India and China in 2017 as foreign secretary.

Due to his efforts, the tensions de-escalated between two nations. Thus, preventing a potential military conflict.

3. Russia-Ukraine Conflict

During periods of heightened tensions between Russia and Ukraine, he actively advocated for the resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war through diplomatic means. Boldly, he established India’s clear position on the conflict.

4. Israel-Hamas Conflict 

During his time, the Ministry of External Affairs unequivocally condemned both the October 7 attack on Israel and the loss of civilian lives in the ongoing conflict.

Releasing the press release, MEA said, ‘We have called for restraint and de-escalation and emphasized peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy’.

Also, India reaffirmed its support for two-state solution.