Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Sidharth Babu’s Journey From Engineer to Indian Diplomat
Sidharth Babu is an Indian diplomat from Kochi, Kerala.
He first studied mechanical engineering and then worked in e-commerce.
His first attempt to join the civil services did not succeed.
On his second attempt, he ranked 15th across India.
He chose the Indian Foreign Service, which prepares officials for diplomacy.
He worked in Beijing and learned skills important for dealing with China.
He later studied language interpretation and translation in California.
Babu now works in New Delhi as a Deputy Secretary and has helped interpret important conversations involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Sidharth Babu, from Kochi, Kerala, studied mechanical engineering from 2008 to 2012.
After working in e-commerce, he passed the Civil Services Examination on his second attempt with All India Rank 15.
He joined the Indian Foreign Service and began diplomatic training in New Delhi in December 2017.
His overseas postings included Beijing from 2018 to 2022 and Monterey County, California, from 2022 to 2024.
Babu returned to New Delhi in 2024 and became a Deputy Secretary in January 2025, later appearing at the 2026 BRICS Summit.
- Who
- Sidharth Babu, an Indian Foreign Service officer.
- What
- He appeared at the 2026 BRICS Summit and is identified as an official who has assisted Narendra Modi during diplomatic engagements.
- When
- He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2017, became Deputy Secretary in January 2025, and appeared at the BRICS Summit in September 2026.
- Where
- The summit was held in Delhi; Babu has also served in Beijing, Monterey County, California, and New Delhi.
- Why
- His diplomatic, language, and interpretation experience led to his involvement in important international engagements.
- Origin
- Kochi, Kerala
- Education
- Mechanical engineering at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, 2008–2012
- Civil services result
- All India Rank 15 on his second attempt
- Foreign Service start
- Officer trainee in New Delhi from December 2017
- China posting
- Third Secretary and Second Secretary in Beijing from August 2018 to July 2022
- United States posting
- Consul in Monterey County, California, from August 2022 to June 2024
- Current position
- Deputy Secretary in New Delhi since January 2025