
Diplomacy, the real change maker for India:
Since independence, Indian diplomacy has effectively handled intricate global and regional crises with grit and vision. From wars and Kashmir to nuclear tests, globalization, and strategic battles in the Indo-Pacific, India’s diplomats have led in protecting national interests. Here is a chronology of ten of the most impactful diplomats over decades — the 1950s to the current era — with their defining moments and contributions.
- 1950s: K.P.S. Menon Sr. — The Father of Independent Indian Diplomacy
Context: Post-Partition turmoil, Kashmir conflict, early tensions of the Cold War.
Role & Impact:
Menon Sr., India’s first Foreign Secretary, developed the non-aligned, independent foreign policy strategy. He worked toward defining India’s position on Kashmir at the UN and rode out early Cold War tensions without getting into superpower alignments. His diplomatic acumen rooted India’s independent voice in international affairs.
- 1960s: K.P.S. Menon Jr. — Establishing Indo-Soviet Friendship During Wars
Background: Sino-Indian war (1962), Indo-Pak war (1965), mounting Cold War rivalries.
Role & Impact:
As ambassador to the USSR, Menon Jr. cemented the Indo-Soviet friendship, ensuring crucial military and political assistance. His efforts guaranteed India a reliable friend when confronting aggressive neighbors and Cold War challenges, setting the stage for the 1971 Treaty of Friendship.
- 1970s: P.N. Haksar — The Strategic Architect Behind 1971 and Nuclear Policy
Context: Bangladesh Liberation War, Indo-Pak war, India’s first nuclear test (1974).
Role & Impact:
As Principal Secretary to Indira Gandhi, P.N. Haksar was the mastermind behind India’s decisive support for Bangladesh’s independence and the Indo-Soviet Treaty. His vision drove India’s assertive diplomacy, pushing for nuclear autonomy and shaping India as a regional power capable of bold strategic moves.
- 1980s: M.K. Rasgotra — Balancing the Afghan Crisis and Regional Stability
Context: Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, increasing regional tensions, Cold War proxy wars.
Role & Impact:
Foreign Secretary Rasgotra handled India’s delicate position—condemning the invasion diplomatically but continuing Soviet ties. He consolidated India’s neighborhood diplomacy, challenging Pakistan’s influence and promoting stability amidst transitory geopolitical tensions.
- 1990s: J.N. Dixit — Mastermind of Post-Cold War Realignment
Context: End of the Cold War, economic liberalization, 1998 nuclear tests.
Role & Impact:
Dixit redirected India’s diplomacy, establishing lines with the US and China. He handled sanctions after nuclear tests with finesse and advocated the Look East policy, laying the foundation for India’s economic and strategic emergence on the global stage.
- 2000s: Brijesh Mishra — First National Security Advisor and Policy Strategist
Context: Post-Kargil conflict security recalibration, nuclear diplomacy.
Role & Impact:
While an IAS officer, Brajesh Mishra collaborated extensively with IFS leaders to blend foreign policy with security strategy. As the country’s first National Security Advisor, he provided the context for India’s nuclear doctrine, balancing diplomacy with deterrence and influencing India’s response to global security issues.
- 2010s: Vikram Misri — The Diplomat Behind Peace Talks and Sensitive Engagements
Context: Kashmir tensions, shifting China challenge, Indo-Pak dialogue.
Role & Impact:
Vikram Misri was instrumental in handling back-channel diplomacy with China and Pakistan, with an emphasis on conflict resolution and dialogue. His low-key, behind-the-scenes negotiations were pivotal at critical times, such as the lead-up to the 2016 surgical strikes and after 2019 Pulwama tensions.
- 2010s-2020s: S. Jaishankar — Architect of Assertive and Strategic Diplomacy
Context: Doklam standoff, surgical strikes, formation of Quad, shifts in global power.
Role & Impact:
As Foreign Secretary and later External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar reshaped India’s diplomatic approach — combining strategic assertiveness with international coalition-building. He navigated India’s response to China’s aggressive moves, strengthened connections with the US, Japan, and Australia, and projected India as a key Indo-Pacific player.
- 2010s-2020s: T.C.A. Raghavan — The Kashmir Expert and Regional Diplomat
Context: Kashmir militancy, India-Pakistan relations, regional connectivity.
Role & Impact:
As India’s High Commissioner to Pakistan (2016-2018), Raghavan emphasized dialogue and the development of diplomatic channels in times of tension. His in-depth knowledge of Kashmir complexities enabled India to guide peace initiatives, sustain back-channel contacts, and foster people-to-people connections.
- 2020s: Harsh Vardhan Shringla — Diplomacy in a Pandemic and Indo-Pacific Leadership
Context: COVID-19 diplomacy, India’s vaccine outreach, rising China challenge.
Role & Impact:
As Foreign Secretary and presently diplomat handling global crises, Shringla guided India’s vaccine diplomacy across the pandemic, adding to India’s soft power. He prioritized strategic relationships in the Indo-Pacific, backing India’s role in building a free and open region amidst great power rivalry.
From setting the foundation of Indian diplomacy to works of S. Jaishankar’s confrontational world strategy, and the likes of P.N. Haksar and Brijesh Mishra punching India’s strategic autonomy, Indian Foreign Service officers have continually navigated the nation through adversity with diplomacy and foresight.
Their accounts are a testament to how diplomacy—frequently conducted behind closed doors—has preserved India’s independence, grown its international presence, and won it a place in global order. With the new geopolitical realities facing India in the 21st century, the legacy of these diplomats inspires India’s foreign policy to this day.

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