NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Sunday opened up about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership style, describing him as a “demanding and interactive boss”.
The external affairs minister was speaking at the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Aditya Birla Group Scholarships Programme in Mumbai. When questioned about PM Modi’s leadership style, Jaishankar explained that the Prime Minister expects thorough preparation for discussions and maintains an interactive approach.
“I have daily appraisal sessions. In a way, I would say he is honestly a demanding boss. I say that because he prepares. If you are discussing something, you have to be fully prepared. You have to know what you are talking about to make your argument or case. You must stand your ground and you must have the data,” he said.
Jaishankar highlighted that unlike leaders who predetermine outcomes, the Prime Minister encourages open dialogue and exchange of viewpoints.
“He’s a very interactive boss. You know, there are bosses who have made up their mind before you talk to them. His way of decision making is very much interactive. There is a certain back and forth, back and forth,” Jaishankar added.
He cited an example of the evacuation of Indian nationals from Ukraine, where PM Modi made quick, decisive calls while empowering his team to take action.
“He took a call that we need to get people out, do what it takes. But then he gives you that operational freedom. It’s not like he’s not tracking you, but he’s not micromanaging you. He’s not second guessing you,” he added.
‘India not nervous about US‘
During the interaction Jaishankar also added that India is not “nervous” about Donald Trump’s return to the White House. In response to concerns over shifting global power dynamics, Jaishankar acknowledged a shift from the West to the East, noting that India is a prime example of this change, with growing economic influence, a rising global ranking, and expanding global presence of Indian corporates and professionals.
“I know today a lot of countries are nervous about the US. Let’s be honest about it. We are not one of them,” he said.
On the impact of the US election on Indo-US relations, Jaishankar talked about PM Modi’s strong rapport with US Presidents from Obama to Trump to Biden, noting that this connection has been instrumental in strengthening India-US ties.
“The Prime Minister was among the first three calls I think that President Trump took. Prime Minister Modi has actually built rapport across multiple presidents. When he first visited DC, Obama was the president, then it was Trump, then it was Biden. So, you know, for him (PM Modi), there’s something natural in terms of how he forges those relationships,” the EAM said.