Famous Indian Diplomats

Mohammad Hamid Ansari is a distinguished Indian statesman and retired Indian Foreign Service officer. With a career spanning 38 years, he held various diplomatic positions including ambassador to Australia, Afghanistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Ansari also served as the permanent representative of India to the United Nations. He was appointed as the vice-chancellor of the Aligarh Muslim University and later as the chairman of the National Commission for Minorities. Elected as the 12th Vice President of India in 2007, Ansari's tenure lasted until 2017, making him one of the longest-serving vice presidents in Indian history.

Shivshankar Menon is a prominent Indian diplomat, having held key positions such as National Security Adviser and Foreign Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs. With extensive experience in international relations, he has served as Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan and Sri Lanka, as well as ambassador to China and Israel. Menon is currently a Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Social and Economic Progress and a Visiting Professor of International Relations at Ashoka University. His career highlights his expertise and contributions to diplomacy and strategic affairs.

Nirupama Menon Rao is a retired civil servant of the Indian Foreign Service cadre who served as India's Foreign Secretary from 2009 to 2011. Throughout her career, she held various diplomatic positions including India's Ambassador to the United States, China, and Sri Lanka. Rao made history as the second woman to hold the position of India's Foreign Secretary. Her roles included serving as Minister of Press, Information, and Culture in Washington DC, Deputy Chief of Mission in Moscow, and Ambassador to Peru and China, among others.

Benegal Narsing Rau was an accomplished Indian civil servant, jurist, diplomat, and statesman. He played a pivotal role in drafting the constitutions of Burma and India. Serving as the Constitutional Advisor to the Constituent Assembly of India, he provided invaluable expertise. Rau's contributions extended to international affairs, as he represented India on the United Nations Security Council and later served as a judge at the International Court of Justice. With a background in Indian law and experience in various government positions, Rau was a respected figure in legal and diplomatic circles.

Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is an Indian diplomat and politician who has had a distinguished career in the Indian Foreign Service. He has served in various diplomatic roles both in India and abroad, including as High Commissioner to Singapore and Ambassador to the Czech Republic, China, and the US. Jaishankar played a key role in negotiating the Indo-US civilian nuclear agreement. After retirement, he joined Tata Sons before being appointed as the Minister of External Affairs of India, becoming the second diplomat to hold this position.

Kavalam Madhava Panikkar, known as Sardar K. M. Panikkar, had a diverse professional life as an Indian statesman and diplomat. He served as a professor at Aligarh Muslim University and University of Calcutta before becoming the editor of Hindustan Times. Panikkar held positions as Foreign Minister and Prime Minister in various princely states. He represented India at the UN General Assembly, served as Ambassador to China and Egypt, and was a member of the States Reorganisation Commission. Panikkar also held roles as India's Ambassador to France, a member of the Rajya Sabha, and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir and University of Mysore.

William Hay Macnaghten was a British civil servant known for his significant role in the First Anglo-Afghan War. He served in various administrative positions in India, displaying keen diplomatic skills and political acumen. Macnaghten's expertise in Afghan affairs led him to be appointed as the British envoy to Kabul in 1838. During his tenure, he worked to advance British interests in the region and played a crucial role in the political landscape of Afghanistan. His contributions and strategies in the war had a lasting impact on British relations with Afghanistan.

Mahommedali Currim Chagla was a prominent Indian jurist, diplomat, and Cabinet Minister known for his significant contributions to the legal field. He served as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court from 1947 to 1958, where he played a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape of India. Chagla's expertise and dedication to upholding justice and the rule of law earned him respect and recognition both nationally and internationally. His professional life was marked by a commitment to legal excellence and public service.

Ausaf Sayeed is a seasoned Indian diplomat with a diverse and accomplished professional background. Throughout his career, he has served in various key roles including as Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, High Commissioner to Seychelles, and Consul General in Chicago. He has been actively involved in promoting trade relations, cultural exchanges, and enhancing cooperation between India and Arab countries. Sayeed has also played a significant role in establishing strategic partnerships and agreements, such as the Saudi-India Business Network and the Indo-Saudi Medical Forum. Additionally, he is a published author and researcher in the field of geology.

Binay Ranjan Sen was an Indian diplomat and Indian Civil Service officer who served as Director General of the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) from 1956 to 1967. He utilized his experience as a relief commissioner during the Bengal famine of 1943 to transform the FAO from a data-gathering bureaucracy into a significant advocate in the global fight against hunger. His leadership played a crucial role in shaping the FAO into a key player in addressing world food insecurity.

Prem Bhatia was a prominent Indian diplomat and journalist known for his influential work. He traveled extensively with Jawaharlal Nehru and served as the political editor of The Statesman. Throughout his career, Bhatia made significant contributions to journalism by editing various esteemed publications such as The Indian Express, The Times of India, and The Tribune. His expertise and dedication to his profession solidified his reputation as one of the most respected journalists of his time, leaving a lasting impact on the field of journalism.