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.
BJP and RSS leaders or “thinkers” are prompt at spreading rumors about a person’s mettle. In that sense they are all propagandists. Not very long ago we had another “iron man” from BJP. Now we have Amit Shah who allegedly fills the same bill.
My one-line take is this: Sardar Patel worked to integrate India. Amit Shah will work to disintegrate India.
There is a portrait of Sardar Patel in North Block, on the landing between ground and first floors, as one enters from Gate no 4. Calm, imperturbable, able to carry the weight of a nation’s internal security challenges on his sturdy, peasant’s shoulders. He remains the gold standard for those who succeed him. May the new incumbent continue to draw inspiration from him, his words and actions.