Jaishankar Takes Charge as External Affairs Minister For Second Consecutive Term

New Delhi: Diplomat-turned-politician S Jaishankar on Tuesday assumed charge as external affairs minister for second consecutive term.

Jaishankar, 69, was among senior BJP leers, including Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, Nitin Gkari and Nirmala Sitharaman, who retained ministries that y handled in previous government.

"Assumed charge as Minister of External Affairs. Thank PM @narendramodi for assigning me this responsibility," he said on X.

As external affairs minister since 2019, Jaishankar displayed with confidence his ability to clearly articulate India's positions on a range of complex issues at global stage.

From blunting western criticism of New Delhi's procurement of crude oil from Moscow in wake of war in Ukraine to crafting a firm policy approach to deal with an assertive China, Jaishankar emerged as one of leing ministers with an impressive record of performance in Prime Minister Modi's previous government.

He has also been credited with managing to bring matters of foreign policy to domestic discourse, especially during India's presidency of G20.

Currently, he is a member of Rajya Sabha from Gujarat.

Jaishankar served as India's foreign secretary from (2015-18), Ambassor to United States (2013-15), China (2009-2013) and Czech Republic (2000-2004).

He was also India's high commissioner to Singapore (2007-2009).

Jaishankar has also served in or diplomatic assignments in embassies in Moscow, Colombo, Budapest and Tokyo, as well in Ministry of External Affairs and President's Secretariat.