A veteran diplomat reflects on 36 years in the Indian Foreign Service and the evolution of India’s global presence; from the collapse of the Soviet Union to becoming a top economic contender.
On the 10th and final day of the humanities course for sixth-semester students, the class was treated to an experience unlike any before; a window into the world of diplomacy, foreign policy, and global strategy through the eyes of Dr AVS Ramesh Chandra, a distinguished diplomat with over three decades in the Indian Foreign Service.
This wasn’t just a lecture; it was a journey across history, geopolitics, culture, and identity. The personal stories and insights shared painted a vivid picture of India’s transformation on the world stage.
1. A Diplomat is Born: From Dairy Technology to Diplomacy
Dr. Chandra’s story begins not in the hallowed halls of political science, but in the unlikely field of veterinary and dairy sciences. With no prior background in international relations, his plunge into diplomacy began in 1989, a time of global upheaval. Just a year into his career, he found himself in Moscow, witnessing the dramatic collapse of the Soviet Union.
“Just eight months after I arrived, the Soviet Union collapsed. I had never studied history or international relations. And yet, there I was, trying to make sense of it all.”
His journey stands as a testament to adaptability; the ability to pivot and evolve even in the face of dramatic geopolitical shifts.
2. Then and Now: 1990 vs 2025
Drawing a powerful comparison between 1990 and 2025, Dr. Chandra highlighted that while the players may have changed, the chaos and unpredictability of global politics remain constant.
From Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in 1990 to today’s challenges; war, energy crises, and diplomatic tensions; the role of the diplomat has only become more vital. Their job? Anticipate outcomes, advise governments, and manage crises; all within tight timelines.
“You’re paid for your judgment. Within 72 hours of a global event, Delhi wants to know: What’s happening? What do we do next?”
3. Unity in Diversity: India’s Strength in the Global Arena
India’s representation abroad is deeply rooted in its internal diversity. With over 1,950 spoken dialects and 22 official languages, diplomacy becomes an extension of India’s multiculturalism.
“Our greatest celebration should be unity in diversity. This is what we showcase to the world.”
He emphasized that India’s cultural, linguistic, and religious plurality is not a liability but its greatest strength in the global narrative.
4. From Snake Charmers to Economic Powerhouse
Recalling the global perception of India in the 1980s and 90s, Dr. Chandra spoke candidly about the derogatory stereotypes; snake charmers, half-naked sadhus.
But India has come a long way. From barely surviving with $1.1 billion in foreign reserves in 1990 to sitting on over $75 billion today, the transformation is staggering.
“We didn’t even have money to finance five weeks of imports. Today, by 2030, we’re projected to be the third largest economy in the world.”
5. Diplomacy Amidst Crisis: Personal Anecdotes from a Career Spanning the Globe
In recounting his years abroad; from setting up India’s embassy in Uzbekistan to managing political affairs in Moscow; Dr. Chandra offered glimpses into real-world diplomacy.
He spoke of his encounters with significant world figures, including the current President of Russia, then the acting mayor of St. Petersburg.
“Diplomacy isn’t glamorous. It’s crisis management in real time. It’s being calm when everything else is falling apart.”
6. The Role of Institutions: Pride in Indian Science and Innovation
Dr. Chandra did not miss the opportunity to reflect on the intellectual and scientific prowess of India, particularly the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), which he lauded for its pioneering contributions.
“2476 patents! That’s what makes institutions like IISc the pride of our nation. From sandalwood soap to biotechnology; this is where tradition meets innovation.”
7. The Enduring Challenges: Security, Development, and Diplomacy
Concluding his talk, Dr. Chandra turned to the core of India’s challenges ahead; peace, security, and development. He quoted Kautilya’s Arthashastra to stress how intertwined these three elements are.
“Without peace and security, there can be no development. That remains our biggest concern; both domestically and across our borders.”
With over 11,000 km of shared land borders with China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, and a shifting global order, diplomacy will remain a cornerstone of India’s strategy.
Conclusion: More than a Lecture, a Life Lesson
For the students of the humanities course, this final session wasn’t just a lecture; it was an invitation to view India not just as a country, but as an idea shaped by diplomacy, diversity, and resilience.
Dr. Chandra’s story is not just about foreign policy; it’s about learning to navigate change, embracing complexity, and serving with integrity.
“Whether you come from engineering or arts, diplomacy needs all of us. Because the world doesn’t move in silos anymore.”
Endnote: As the Royal Challengers Bangalore prepared to take on the Gujarat Titans that evening, the students walked away from the session not only with thoughts of cricket, but with a deeper understanding of the world; and India’s growing role in it.
“Democracy, Diplomacy, and the Discipline of Leadership: A Veteran Diplomat’s Reflection”
In a candid and compelling interaction with students, a seasoned Indian diplomat offered profound insights into the nature of democracy, the evolving role of diplomacy, and the nuances of leadership in the modern world. Drawing from decades of experience across countries like Pakistan, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Turkey, the diplomat delivered not just lessons from history but truths from lived reality.
Democracy: The Chaos That Works
When asked, “Why is democracy considered a good thing?”, the diplomat didn’t reach for theoretical models or ideological manifestos. Instead, they drew upon personal observations from nations ruled by strongmen and authoritarian regimes. In places where journalists go missing for speaking up, or where power is inherited rather than earned, the absence of freedom is deeply felt. India, by contrast, may often appear chaotic, even unruly, but it functions with a remarkable internal logic that is rooted in freedom, choice, and accountability.
“Only democracy can hold India together,” the diplomat declared. With its tapestry of languages, cultures, religions, and economic classes, India’s diversity defies centralization. Here, governments fall over price hikes in onions, and 700 million people queue up to vote—proof that power rests in the hands of the people.
Diplomacy in a Shifting World
The diplomat painted an evocative picture of the changing nature of diplomacy. Gone are the days of longhand letters and wordy dispatches; today’s diplomats must distill complex global narratives into single-page briefs and crisp sound bites. Yet, the essence of diplomacy remains unchanged—negotiating national interest through quiet persistence, calm intellect, and a sharp eye for nuance.
“There are no permanent friends or enemies in diplomacy,” the speaker reminded. “Only permanent interests.” This eternal truth guides India’s foreign policy, especially in a world where global alignments are increasingly fluid. Diplomats must adapt, stay informed, and never lose sight of the big picture.
Leadership by Example: A Nod to Narendra Modi
The conversation took a deeply personal turn when the diplomat spoke of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Describing him as a “karmayogi” and “iron man,” the speaker praised Modi’s laser-sharp focus, tireless energy, and commitment to detail. Recounting an incident from 1993, the diplomat also narrated how then Prime Minister Narasimha Rao swiftly cut through bureaucratic red tape to resolve a critical infrastructure issue in Jalalabad. That efficiency and clarity, the diplomat believes, remain India’s credentials in foreign relations to this day.
In contrast, the speaker recalled attending international summits where leaders from other nations dozed off during meetings; as a striking reminder that titles alone do not make leaders. Leadership, he emphasized, is about showing up every single day with clarity, discipline, and an unwavering sense of purpose.
What Makes a Great Diplomat?
When asked what qualities define a successful diplomat, the answer was simple yet profound: calmness, patience, clarity, and the ability to read both people and situations. Diplomacy is as much about listening as it is about speaking. It’s about understanding not only what is said, but what is left unsaid; watching body language, sensing shifts in tone, and adapting in real time.
In an era when geopolitical relationships are often tested in the court of public opinion and on the stage of social media, the old-school virtues of discretion, humility, and long-term vision remain vital.
A Timely Reflection
As India carves out a larger role on the global stage, voices like this diplomat’s provide much-needed perspective. Their words remind us that democracy, though imperfect, remains our greatest strength. That diplomacy is more than protocol—it’s a craft honed through experience, empathy, and intellect. And that leadership, above all, is about action, not performance.
In an age of sound bites and instant judgments, such conversations are both grounding and galvanizing.
