New Delhi, 09 January (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended heartfelt birthday wishes Friday to External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, coinciding with the diplomat-turned-minister's 71st birthday, lauding his stellar contributions to India's global stature and wishing him enduring health.

In a gracious X post, PM Modi wrote: Best wishes to Dr. S. Jaishankar Ji on his birthday. He has served the nation as a distinguished diplomat and is now playing a key role in strengthening India’s foreign policy and ties with the world. Praying for his long and healthy life.

Architect of Modern India's Global Diplomacy

Dr.S Jaishankar, born January 9, 1955, embodies a seamless fusion of scholarly rigor and pragmatic statesmanship, holding an MA in Political Science and MPhil/PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University after St. Stephen’s College. Joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1977, he masterminded the landmark Indo-U.S. civil nuclear deal as MEA's Americas division head, served as Ambassador to China (2009-2013)—navigating border frictions—and the United States (2013-2015), facilitating Modi's historic U.S. visit and Obama's Republic Day journey.

As Foreign Secretary (2015-2018), he resolved the Doklam standoff and orchestrated Nepal earthquake aid, earning Padma Shri in 2019 before transitioning to politics as External Affairs Minister in Modi's second term, reappointed in 2024.

His stewardship delivered Vaccine Maitri to 75+ nations during COVID-19, spearheaded Vande Bharat repatriations, championed strategic autonomy amid Russia-Ukraine tensions, and asserted firm lines on Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and China border peace, cementing India's multi-aligned ascent.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar