Why Everyone Loves Dr. S Jaishankar? | Rise & Reality | Biography

Summary

The video script discusses the illustrious career of S. Jaishankar, India's External Affairs Minister. Born in 1955 into an academic family, Jaishankar joined the Indian Foreign Service and served in various capacities, including Ambassador to China and the US. Known for his negotiation skills, he played a pivotal role in India's nuclear deal with the US and managed the Doklam crisis. His direct appointment as Minister, without prior political experience, highlights his expertise in foreign policy and crisis management, earning him respect across political parties.

Takeaways

• 😀 S. Jaishankar is a prominent Indian diplomat known for his extensive work in foreign affairs, despite never having engaged in politics or electoral campaigns.
• 🎓 Jaishankar was born into an academic and intellectually stimulating family environment, which significantly influenced his interest in strategic affairs and international relations.
• 🌟 His career in the Indian Foreign Service began in 1977, and he rapidly progressed through various postings, including significant roles in the Soviet Union and the United States.
• 🔧 Jaishankar played a pivotal role in managing critical international relationships, especially during the Cold War era, and later as the Indian Ambassador to China and the United States.
• 🤝 He was instrumental in facilitating high-level meetings and fostering personal connections between leaders like India's Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
• 🏆 Recognized for his negotiation skills, Jaishankar was often the go-to crisis manager for Indian Prime Ministers, including both Manmohan Singh and Narendra Modi.
• 📜 As Foreign Secretary, he navigated complex diplomatic challenges, including the resolution of the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, which was a significant milestone in bilateral relations.
• 🛂 Known for his role in resolving the 2017 Doklam standoff with China, showcasing his strategic acumen and crisis management skills.
• 🏅 He was awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian award, in recognition of his contributions to diplomacy.
• 📈 Post-retirement from the civil services, Jaishankar joined the Tata Group as the President of Global Corporate Affairs, leveraging his extensive experience in international negotiations.

Q & A

Who is S. Jaishankar and what is his role in Indian politics?

S. Jaishankar is India's Minister of External Affairs. He has played a significant role in Indian politics, particularly in foreign policy and crisis management, without having a background in electoral politics.

What significant event happened during S. Jaishankar's tenure as Foreign Secretary of India?

During S. Jaishankar's tenure as Foreign Secretary, he played a pivotal role in managing the Doklam Standoff with China and was instrumental in India's foreign policy decisions.

How did S. Jaishankar influence the relationship between India and Japan?

S. Jaishankar was instrumental in bringing Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe closer, fostering a strong relationship between the two countries.

What was the notable achievement of S. Jaishankar during his posting in the Soviet Union?

During his posting in the Soviet Union, S. Jaishankar gained valuable insights into the Cold War era politics, which later informed his diplomatic strategies.

How did S. Jaishankar contribute to the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement?

S. Jaishankar played a crucial role in the negotiations that led to the signing of the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement in 2008, overcoming previous diplomatic hurdles.

What was the unique aspect of S. Jaishankar's appointment as India's External Affairs Minister?

S. Jaishankar's appointment as External Affairs Minister was unique because he had never participated in electoral politics or held any political office before, marking a departure from traditional political appointments.

How did S. Jaishankar's educational background influence his career in diplomacy?

S. Jaishankar's educational background, including a degree in Political Science and his critical thinking skills, significantly influenced his career in diplomacy, enabling him to excel in strategic planning and negotiations.

What was the impact of S. Jaishankar's tenure as India's Ambassador to China?

During his tenure as India's Ambassador to China, S. Jaishankar worked to improve bilateral ties and managed the border dispute between the two countries, contributing to stability in the region.

How did S. Jaishankar's role evolve from being a career diplomat to a political appointee?

S. Jaishankar transitioned from a career diplomat to a political appointee when he was appointed as India's External Affairs Minister in 2019, despite not having a background in electoral politics.

What was the significance of Barack Obama's participation in India's Republic Day parade?

The participation of Barack Obama, the then President of the United States, in India's Republic Day parade was significant as it marked a high point in India-US diplomatic relations and was a testament to S. Jaishankar's diplomatic skills.

How did S. Jaishankar handle the challenge of the 'No Visa' policy imposed on Narendra Modi by the US?

S. Jaishankar played a key role in reversing the 'No Visa' policy imposed on Narendra Modi by the US, which was a result of the Gujarat riots, through effective diplomacy and negotiations.