S Jaishankar Takes Office as India's Foreign Minister, Focuses on Pakistan, China Relations

S Jaishankar officially became India's Foreign Minister today. At 69, Jaishankar was among several senior BJP leaders like Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gadkari, and Nirmala Sitharaman who kept their ministries from the previous government.

Speaking about India's relations with Pakistan and China for the next five years, Jaishankar noted that both countries pose different challenges. He emphasized political stability in India after being elected three times in a row and outlined the different approaches to China and Pakistan. With China, the focus will be on resolving border issues, while with Pakistan, the goal is to address long-standing cross-border terrorism.

Jaishankar took office in Delhi after a grand ceremony where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and 71 ministers of the new coalition government were sworn in.

When asked about the Maldivian parliamentary probe into past agreements with India, Jaishankar diplomatically mentioned his meetings with President Muizzu and PM Modi, relying on his conversations and experience to guide him. Tensions between India and the Maldives have risen since President Muizzu, who has a pro-China stance, demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, who were replaced by civilians earlier this month.

Regarding India's ambition for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Jaishankar expressed confidence that under PM Modi's leadership, India's influence will grow. He highlighted India's role as a friend to other countries, particularly in times of crisis, and its support for the Global South. Jaishankar pointed to India's successful push for African Union membership during the G20 presidency as a sign of growing global trust and responsibility.

Jaishankar has a distinguished career, having served as India's Foreign Secretary (2015-18) and held ambassadorial positions in the United States, China, and the Czech Republic. He was also India's High Commissioner to Singapore and held roles in embassies in Moscow, Colombo, Budapest, and Tokyo, as well as in the Ministry of External Affairs and the President's Secretariat.