Meet S Jaishankar, Modi's crisis manager

How S Jaishankar, who was once on the cusp of retirement, ended up as one of Modi's most reliable ministers...

Transcript

00:00If you are looking at energy purchases from Russia, our total purchases for the month

00:09would be less than what Europe does in an afternoon.

00:18We are today in diplomacy, very, very focused.

00:33Don't worry, Senator, one democracy will settle it.

00:36And you know which one.

01:06I'm a politician, so I believe in polls.

01:36But I've never seen a poll which has made any sense to me when it comes to foreign policy.

01:48Five years ago, Prime Minister, you gave us a challenge.

01:54It was your view that as a rising power, India should not just be participating in global

02:00conversations organized by others.

02:04You felt strongly that it was important that we create our own platforms, organize discourses

02:11and shape narratives.

02:34Most members of parliament all agree with the position which the government has taken,

02:51that the only way out is to return to dialogue and diplomacy.

03:03At the same time, he said, but Prime Minister has spoken to Russia and Ukraine only.

03:10Who else will he speak to?

03:23I think our focus is on ensuring the security in Afghanistan and the safe return of Indian

03:32nationals who are there.

03:46The issue is not 370.

03:47The issue is Pakistan's terrorism.

03:48You ask me, is our relationship normal today?

03:49My answer to you is no, it is not.

03:50And it cannot be normal if the situation in the border areas is abnormal.

04:02Krishna Menon is known for the record of giving the world's longest speech in the United

04:18Nations.

04:22I assure you, I can say the same in six minutes.