On the picture Bhutan’s Royal Couple and India’s FS Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
By Baron Henri Estramant.
Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Foreign Secretary since 29 January 2015 made his maiden voyage to the neighbouring Kingdom of Bhutan. Foreign secretaries in India are appointed by the Minister of External Affairs on basis of their expertise to deputise for them. The incumbent Minister, Sushma Swaraj, only second female to hold the post since 26 May 2014, appointed Jaishankar at the end of January. He has served as Indian ambassador to the USA (2013-2015), China (2009-2013), Czechia (2001-2004) as well as High Commissioner to Singapore (2007-2009).
In Bhutan FS Jainshankar was received in audience on 1 March by Their Majesties The Druk Gyalpo and The Druk Gyaltsuen but likewise by His Majesty the 4th Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck.
The appointment of Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar came only a few days after the 66th “Republic Day”, which this year for the first time hosted a US American President, Barack Obama, as “Chief Guest” for the military parade and celebrations that took place in Delhi.
During the 66th “Republic Day” celebrations this year one of the highest civilian honours, the “Padma Vibhus”, was bestowed upon His Highness The Aga Khan IV by India’s President Pranab Mukherjee.
Instituted in 1954, the Padma Awards recognise individual achievements in a wide range of disciplines. The Aga Khan IV, Prince Shah Karim Al Hussaini (b. 13 December 1936) is the hereditary “Imam of Nazari Ismailism”, a branch of Shia Islam which has about 15 million adherents. He is founder and chairman of the “Aga Khan Development Network”, one of the largest private development aid organisations worldwide.
The Aga Khan IV’s heir is his eldest son, HH Prince Rahim (b. 12 October 1971); his wife, HH Princess Salwa is due to deliver their first child in the upcoming weeks.
For more information:
Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar: www.indianembassy.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs: www.mea.gov.in
Ismaili, Padma Honour: www.theismaili.org/
Aga Khan Development Network: www.akdn.org/
