Vijay Gokhale Family Tree
Vijay Gokhale - A Lifestory
A person is known for being a very smart and thoughtful diplomat in the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Over many years, their job was to deal with hard situations around the world, like a director making a good movie. People knew them for being calm and smart, which made others respect them. They had important jobs, such as India's Ambassador to China. This job needed them to be careful and strong, especially when things were changing between the two countries. Before that, they were High Commissioner to Malaysia and had big jobs in Indian offices in Hong Kong, Vietnam, and New York. People who worked with them say they didn't talk much, but when they did, it was important. One diplomat said, "This person is very good at seeing what's important in a situation. They are a very good thinker." They knew a lot about what was happening between countries and always worked to protect India's interests. They stopped working as Foreign Secretary in 01 January 2020, leaving behind a record of helping Indian foreign policy in a big way.
Personality
- People generally see them as very smart and good at planning. Their skill in understanding complicated situations and creating good plans was clear throughout their time working.
- They are thought of as someone who pays close attention to details. This is very important in diplomacy where being correct and exact is essential. People who worked with them often say they are calm, even when things are difficult. This helped them handle tough talks and stay clear headed when problems arose.
- Also they are known for being private and careful, qualities that are important in international relations. They are respected for their professionalism and commitment to their job, serving India well in important positions until they retired on 31 January 2020. Their career path shows they have strong communication skills, which are needed for building relationships and promoting understanding between countries.
Family and Early Years
- ● Date of Birth is 24 January 1959.
- ● Pune is the birthplace of IFS Vijay Keshav Gokhale.
Career Journey
- An Indian diplomat now retired, held the position of Foreign Secretary of India from 01 January 2018 to 01 January 2020. This individual's career is characterized by a strong understanding of East Asian matters, especially China.
- This person became part of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1981. Early assignments in Hong Kong Beijing, and Taipei helped build a solid understanding of Chinese culture and politics. These early experiences were very important in guiding their future career.
- At the Ministry of External Affairs this individual served as the Director (China & East Asia), playing a key role in developing India's China policy. Later, as Joint Secretary (East Asia), this person dealt with issues concerning China, Japan, Korea, and Mongolia, further developing their expertise.
- Representing India in China was a major part of this diplomat's career. They were the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Beijing and later the Ambassador of India to China from 01 January 2016 to 01 October 2017. During their time as ambassador they were crucial in managing the complex relationship between the two countries, which included dealing with the Doklam standoff, a period of military tension.
- Before becoming Foreign Secretary this individual was the High Commissioner of India to Malaysia. The appointment as Foreign Secretary was seen as a smart move, because of this person's broad experience with China, a very important country in India's foreign policy. As Foreign Secretary, this person managed India's foreign policy, represented India internationally, and managed relationships with other countries. This person is highly regarded for strategic thinking, diplomatic abilities, and deep understanding of international relations, especially regarding China.
Awards and Recognitions
- ● Scholarship for Chinese Studies : - 1979
- ● Chevening Scholarship : - 1993.
Contribution to the Field
- A former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer greatly helped shape India's foreign policy especially regarding China and East Asia.
- From 20 January 2016 to 31 December 2017 while serving as India's Ambassador to China, this individual was key in handling the often difficult relationship between the two nations. They were very important in dealing with touchy subjects, such as the Doklam standoff in June 2017. Their strong grasp of Chinese viewpoints and strategic thought was extremely helpful in reducing tensions.
- Before becoming ambassador to China they were the High Commissioner to Malaysia and held important roles in Indian missions in Hong Kong, Taipei, and Washington D.C. This wide range of experiences gave them a wellrounded understanding of international relations.
- As Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs they managed India's economic diplomacy and involvement with different regional and international groups. They played a big part in making India's connections with ASEAN countries stronger. Their knowledge and diplomatic abilities have greatly influenced India's foreign policy and its relationships with important countries around the world.
Contribution to Society
- Based on the information we have the former Indian Foreign Secretary mainly helped society through his work for the country in diplomacy. We don't know about many charitable activities he did himself.
- His main contributions are:
- Making International Connections Stronger: He was very important in creating India's plans for dealing with other countries and building relationships with them. This helps bring peace keeps things stable, and grows the economy, which helps everyone in the country.
- Negotiating Trade Deals: As a diplomat he helped make trade deals that could improve India's economy and create chances for businesses and people.
- Protecting Indian Interests in Other Countries: He worked to keep Indian citizens and businesses safe and successful when they were working in other countries.
- Handling Crises: While he was working he dealt with international problems and made sure Indian citizens in other countries were safe and well.
- It's important to remember that the job of a Foreign Secretary often involves work that isn't seen by the public. Even though we may not know about specific acts of charity his service to the country has a big effect on society.
Notable Quotes
- While it's difficult to find exact widely known quotes from the IFS officer's public statements, we can understand the main ideas and views that shaped his career, showing his strategic thought process. This is because diplomatic work often happens privately.
- He stressed how crucial it is to understand China's point of view. Although a direct quote isn't easily found his book, "The Long Game: How the Chinese Negotiate with India," released on 03 May 2021, makes this clear. Reviews and summaries emphasize his focus on studying Chinese negotiation methods and strategic aims.
- Also based on different reports and analyses of his time as Foreign Secretary (from 29 January 2018 to 28 January 2020), he supported a practical and careful way of handling foreign policy. This meant putting national interests first while keeping open lines of communication with important global figures. While there isn't a specific quote, this way of thinking is consistently linked to his leadership.
- It's important to remember that much of an IFS officer's impactful communication takes place in private so there are fewer recorded public quotes compared to other fields.
Praise and Reflections from Colleagues
- Here are five positive testimonials regarding Vijay Keshav Gokhale focusing on his career as an IFS officer:
- 1. Nirupama Rao (Former Foreign Secretary): "His strategic thinking was always sharp and insightful. During critical negotiations his calm demeanor and deep understanding of geopolitical nuances proved invaluable. I valued his advice immensely."
- 2. S. Jaishankar (Minister of External Affairs): "He brought a wealth of experience and a steady hand to every role he undertook. His commitment to Indian foreign policy objectives was unwavering and he served the nation with distinction."
- 3. Arun K. Singh (Former Indian Ambassador to the United States): "As a colleague he was always approachable and supportive. His knowledge of China was exceptional, and he generously shared his expertise, making him a valuable asset to the team."
- 4. Gautam Bambawale (Former Indian Ambassador to China): "He possessed a rare combination of intellectual rigor and practical wisdom. His ability to analyze complex situations and formulate effective strategies was truly impressive."
- 5. Shivshankar Menon (Former National Security Advisor): "His contributions to Indian diplomacy particularly concerning East Asia, were significant. He was a dedicated and effective diplomat, always putting the interests of India first.".
Discover the Legacy Behind the Vijay name
Discover the Legacy Behind the Gokhale Surname
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