Blog Post | IPA CEO & Founder, Nihal Chauhan meets with India's Foreign Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar

Meeting my former boss and India’s Foreign Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar always evokes a mix of goosebumps and awe, as much as it deeply inspires and humbles. This was especially true during my recent meeting with him, where he graciously made time despite the immense demands of shaping India's foreign policy—a portfolio he has held longer than any of his predecessors.

Serving as his Chief of Staff when he was Group President at Tata Sons, I witnessed firsthand what truly exceptional leadership looks like. Quite simply, it was a privilege to learn from someone who's perfected his craft. 

Dr. Jaishankar's relentless focus on strategy and execution, his remarkable ability to balance the human element of negotiation while pushing the team to maintain both strategic vision at 50,000 feet and precise execution at 50 feet, and above all, his unwavering commitment to perfection. Every interaction with him was an extraordinary learning opportunity.

Today, as I continue building Indo-Pacific Advisory to guide leaders and institutions in evaluating markets and navigating both risk and opportunity amid ongoing geopolitical turbulence, I find myself constantly drawing on the lessons and principles he instilled. His unwavering belief in India’s potential, his focus on forging partnerships to propel the country’s growth, and his nuanced understanding of global dynamics all shape my approach. Most touching of all is that, despite the immense demands of leading India’s foreign policy, he remains the same mentor I was privileged to work alongside—inquiring about my life’s journey and professional growth while sharing his wisdom and perspective.

Dr. Jaishankar, your impact extends far beyond professional wisdom. You demonstrate how leadership intertwined with empathy creates lasting influence. Having had the privilege to work with you at Tata and watching you advance India's interests on the global stage fills me with pride and inspiration. Thank you for being a cornerstone in my professional journey, and for your continued mentorship and trust.

About the Author

This blog post is authored by Nihal Chauhan, CEO & Founder of IndoPacificAdvisory. With extensive experience in strategy, leadership, and international relations, Nihal is dedicated to helping organizations thrive amid ever-evolving geopolitical challenges.