S Jaishankar Signs In As Foreign Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw Takes Charge Too

Dr S. Jaishankar arrived at the South Block on Tuesday to take charge as External Affairs Minister for a second term. Speaking to the media, he said it was an “immense honour to be once again given the responsibility of leading the Ministry of External Affairs”.

He was quoted as saying by ANI that the ministry "performed exceptionally well in the last term". "We delivered the G20 presidency. We took on the challenges of Covid, including 'Vaccine Maitri' supplies. We also were the centre of crucial operations like Operation Ganga and Operation Kaveri. In the last decade, this ministry, under the leadership of PM Modi, has become a very people-centric ministry. You can see that in terms of our improved passport services, community welfare fund support that we give to Indians abroad…"

Speaking about his outlook on India’s relationship with Pakistan & China over the next five years, he said, "Relations and problems with Pakistan and China are different. Our focus with regard to China will be on finding a solution for the border issues and, with Pakistan, we would want to find a solution to the issue of years-old cross-border terrorism…”