Dr. S. Jaishankar is a diplomat-turned-politician who has served as India’s External Affairs Minister since 2019. He is a member of the BJP and a member of parliament representing Gujarat in the Rajya Sabha.
Dr. Jaishankar had earlier served as India’s foreign secretary between 2015-2018, after serving as ambassador to the United States, China, and the Czech Republic and as high commissioner to Singapore. He is well known for his assertive speeches and comments in the international media, such as the one when he addressed the UN, advocating for India’s permanent membership in the UNSC. Jaishankar is said to have played a major role in negotiating the India-US civil nuclear agreement. He has authored over three books, including ‘The India Way’ and ‘Why Bharat Matters’.
In 2019, he was conferred with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honour in the country.
Ordinary Indians and Chinese know very little about each other, which is a pity. At government to government level, that is not a constraint. Both sides are fantastically well informed about each other. Intentions and capabilities, although defence matters are only one segment of the complex relationship. In one sense, most respectfully, there is not much to discuss at senior levels. No Eureka moment of great revelation. 2. If there is a sincere effort on both sides, a dramatic improvement in the relationship is possible. The sole exception being a final settlement of the boundary question. Both governments would balk at the compromises that entails. So the more pragmatic path would be to resolve not to allow soldiers to lose their lives in combat situations along the LAC for the next 45 years. Safe patrolling protocols that both armies adhere to.