New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday shared his experience working with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing him as a “demanding and interactive boss.” The comment was made at the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the Aditya Birla Group Scholarships Programme in Mumbai, where Jaishankar was asked about PM Modi’s leadership style.
Responding to the question, Jaishankar said, “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 highlighted two key characteristics of the Prime Minister’s leadership style, noting that he encourages open discussion and provides his team with “operational freedom.”
Elaborating further, Jaishankar said, “A second characteristic I would say is that he is a very interactive boss. There are bosses who make up their minds before you talk to them or those who simply give you a decision. His way of decision-making is very much interactive.” He added, “I have enjoyed working with him because he takes a call and then gives you that latitude. During the Ukraine crisis, he decided we needed to get people out. He said, ‘Do what it takes—use the Air Force, civil aviation, talk to people. Tell me if I need to make a call; I will. If ministers need to be sent, do so.’ He gives operational freedom without micromanaging.”
Jaishankar also highlighted India’s confidence in its relationship with the United States despite global concerns. He praised PM Modi’s ability to build strong relationships with successive US presidents, from Barack Obama to Donald Trump and Joe Biden. “The Prime Minister was among the first three calls President Trump took. PM Modi has built rapport across multiple presidents. When he first came to DC, Obama was the president, then it was Trump, then it was Biden. For him, there’s something natural in forging those relationships, which has been hugely beneficial,” Jaishankar stated.
