External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's recent witty response to a question about his role in the Indian government has gone viral, sparking discussions about leadership and vision in the country. At the Pune Book Festival on Saturday, December 20, 2025, Jaishankar was asked whether "one Jaishankar is enough for India".
Instead of directly answering the question, Jaishankar cleverly reframed it, stating, "Your question is the wrong question. You should have actually asked me: there is only one Modi". He then drew a parallel to the Hindu epic Ramayana, adding, "Because ultimately the diplomats…even Shri Hanuman finally serves…,” implying that, like Hanuman's devotion to Lord Ram, ministers and diplomats ultimately serve the leader and their vision.
Jaishankar elaborated on his response by emphasizing the importance of leadership and vision in defining a nation. "Countries are defined by leaders and vision. There are people who execute it. But ultimately, it is the vision, the leadership, and the confidence that makes the difference today," he stated. This remark was met with applause from the audience.
Furthermore, Jaishankar highlighted the need to promote Indian strategic thought, referencing Lord Krishna and Hanuman as examples of great diplomats from Indian mythology. He expressed his weariness of Western-centric strategic textbooks and advocated for the use of Indian terms and concepts in strategic thinking. He noted that people often overlook the strategic complexities within the Ramayana, focusing instead on power struggles within the Mahabharata.
Jaishankar's comments came during an interaction with Yuvraj Malik, director of the National Book Trust, at the Pune Literature Festival. He lauded Prime Minister Modi's leadership and vision, echoing previous statements where he has credited Modi with transforming India's global image. He has also noted that PM Modi is a product of change, that the fact that someone like him has become Prime Minister shows how much the country has changed.
The External Affairs Minister, who served as India's foreign secretary from 2015 to 2018, has been the External Affairs Minister since May 2019, following PM Modi's second consecutive term win. He emphasized that in today's multipolar world, India must be nimble and prioritize its own interests, navigating a complex geopolitical landscape akin to "coalition politics". He stressed the importance of upgrading infrastructure, developing human resources, and pursuing the right policies with vision, leadership, and execution.
Jaishankar's "one Modi" remark has resonated widely, sparking discussions on social media and in political circles. It underscores the perceived importance of strong leadership and a clear vision in shaping India's role on the global stage.
