S Jaishankar, a prominent leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), took the oath of office as Union Cabinet Minister at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Sunday. This comes after his notable tenure as External Affairs Minister during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s second term from 2019 to 2024.
Before the grand ceremony, the PM-designate hosted a customary high tea at his residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg in the national capital. He interacted with members of Parliament who were likely to be inducted into his Cabinet and Council of Ministers. Jaishankar was among the esteemed attendees at the high tea.
Known for his witty replies and oratory skills, Jaishankar has been at the centre stage in the team shaping India’s foreign policy for the last decade. Prior to being the EAM in 2019, he also served as India’s Foreign Secretary from 2015 to 2018. Notably, he became the first Foreign Secretary to assume the role of External Affairs Minister.
Jaishankar’s tenure as India’s EAM in 2019 came amid massive uncertainties owing to global turbulence and conflicts. His tenure witnessed episodes like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Hamas war, and the Covid pandemic, all of which left a strong impact on not just the Indian economy but also that of the whole world.
However, during these turbulent times, India’s stand was marked by the priority of ‘Nation First’. This principle guided the nation’s response to these global crises, reflecting the resilience and strength of India’s foreign policy under Jaishankar’s leadership.
As he steps into his new role as Union Cabinet Minister, the nation looks forward to his continued contribution to India’s growth and stability. His experience and leadership are expected to guide the country through the challenges ahead.
