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Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is renowned for his sharp wit and diplomatic finesse, demonstrated once again during a recent interaction with a reporter. Presented with the choice of having dinner with either Kim Jong Un or George Soros, Jaishankar deftly responded, "I think this is Navratri, and I'm fasting." This light-hearted quip exemplifies his talent for navigating challenging questions with humor and grace.
This instance is not isolated. Jaishankar has a history of employing humor to deflect criticism and address sensitive topics. When questioned about the perceived volatility and bullying nature of India-US relations, he countered with humor, "So, you’re accusing me of bullying the US?" before providing a nuanced explanation of the evolving relationship. Similarly, when faced with criticism over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Jaishankar acknowledged cultural differences, saying, “In our part of the world, when people meet, they embrace. It may not be part of your culture, but I assure you it’s part of ours.”
The chosen response regarding the Navratri fast is particularly noteworthy as it reflects Jaishankar's past interactions with George Soros. In 2023, Jaishankar publicly criticized Soros's comments questioning India's democracy and Prime Minister Modi's leadership. He dismissed Soros's accusations of citizenship stripping as “absurd,” labeled his comments as “scaremongering” that harms societal fabric, and went further to describe Soros as a “dangerous” outsider, likening his interference in Indian politics to colonialism.
Jaishankar's quick wit and sharp responses have become a hallmark of his leadership. He deftly uses humor not only to deflect criticism but also to engage with complex issues in a way that resonates with the public. His ability to combine diplomacy with wit and humor makes him a compelling figure in the world of international relations.
Source: Dinner with Kim Jong Un or George Soros? Jaishankar's 'navratri' reply goes viral