Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Harsh Vardhan Shringla Discusses India's Diplomatic Challenges
Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a senior diplomat and now a Rajya Sabha member, talked about the big challenges India faces in diplomacy.
He said the main challenge is to protect India's interests in a competitive world while keeping the neighborhood peaceful.
He also shared his experiences during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, where he helped bring back thousands of Indian students safely.
Shringla coordinated the G20 Summit in 2023, which helped India show its leadership on global issues.
He believes India should focus on making trade easier and stronger connections with other countries.
As a parliament member, he wants to work on issues related to West Bengal, the Northeast, technology, and foreign policy.
Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a former Indian Foreign Service officer, was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by the President of India.
He served as India's Foreign Secretary from 2020 to 2022 and coordinated India's G20 Presidency in 2023.
Shringla oversaw the repatriation of over 22,000 Indian students during the Russia-Ukraine conflict through Operation Ganga.
The G20 Summit in 2023, under his coordination, achieved a consensus on the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration and included the African Union as a permanent member.
He plans to focus on issues related to West Bengal, the Northeast, technology, and foreign policy as a Rajya Sabha member.
- Who
- Harsh Vardhan Shringla, a Rajya Sabha member and former Indian Foreign Service officer
- What
- Discussion on India's diplomatic challenges, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the G20 Summit, and global trade
- When
- During an interview with The Statesman
- Where
- India
- Why
- To share insights on India's diplomatic strategies and priorities
- Name
- Harsh Vardhan Shringla
- Position
- Rajya Sabha member
- Career
- Indian Foreign Service officer
- Notable Roles
- Foreign Secretary of India, Ambassador to the US, High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Ambassador to Thailand
- Education
- Mayo College, Ajmer; St Stephen’s College, Delhi
- G20 Role
- Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 Presidency
- Key Initiatives
- Operation Ganga, G20 Summit 2023
- Focus Areas
- Indian diplomacy, global trade, North Bengal development