S Jaishankar is the first career diplomat and foreign secretary to handle the key portfolio of External Affairs Minister. Here is a list of those who have held the portfolio.
Edited by: PTINew DelhiPublished : May 31, 2019 15:58 IST, Updated : May 31, 2019 16:29 IST
Former foreign secretary S Jaishankar was given charge of the External Affairs ministry on Friday, a rare instance of a career diplomat handling the key portfolio as minister. Considered an expert on China and the US, the new External Affairs minister's moves will be keenly watched to see whether he brings any changes in India's approach in dealing with a hostile Pakistan. He is the first foreign secretary to head the MEA as minister. Jaishankar, who takes charge of the ministry nearly 16 months after he retired as foreign secretary, will also have to deal with overall expectations of expanding India's global influence and stature, particularly in key multilateral forums like G-20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS.
Here is a list of those who have held the portfolio: