India-Russia-China bonhomie on display at BRICS: What the Modi-Xi-Putin group photos reveal

Sidharth Babu, a 36-year-old Indian Foreign Service (IFS) diplomat, recently gained attention for his viral photos at the BRICS Summit alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Babu, who is currently serving as Deputy Secretary in the East Asia Division of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has a notable background in diplomatic engagements with East Asian countries.

Born in Kochi, Kerala, Babu originally pursued a degree in mechanical engineering at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering. However, he later entered the civil services, initially attempting the Civil Services Examination without success. After returning for the next year, he secured an impressive All India Rank 15 and chose to become an Indian Foreign Service officer. His first posting was in New Delhi as an officer trainee, followed by a significant four-year stint in Beijing, where he honed his Mandarin language skills.

Babu's experiences in China and the United States, including a recent position as Consul in Monterey County, California, have equipped him with valuable knowledge of the region's political and diplomatic landscape. His linguistic abilities and expertise in international relations have made him a key player in high-level diplomatic engagements.

The BRICS Summit was not his first appearance at a major event with Modi; he also interpreted a conversation between the Prime Minister and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations.

The attention garnered by Babu's photos has shed light on the crucial role played by diplomatic officials who facilitate conversations between world leaders behind the scenes. As the diplomatic world continues to evolve, figures like Sidharth Babu are becoming increasingly important in shaping global interactions.