S. Jaishankar takes Sushma Swaraj’s legacy forward: Helps the stranded citizens using twitter

Sushma Swaraj was instrumental in taking the expectations of India’s international conduct to new highs during her tenure as the External Affairs Minister. During her entire tenure when the Modi government first came to power, she was always up to the mark and never once disappointed. She conducted herself in a highly dignified manner, constantly working towards improving India’s diplomatic relations. No one can dispute the fact that the foreign policy pursued during the first tenure of the Modi government transformed the way the rest of the world looks at India. Sushma Swaraj, who was at the centre of this transformation, deserves to be credited for her relentless efforts. However, more than her foreign policy, Swaraj emerged as one of those ministers under the Modi government who were instrumental in bringing about the practice of using social media in order to help the ordinary citizens. Swaraj used the Social Media to give the people an occasion to interact with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs or its offices, embassies and high commissions.

Now, Sushma Swaraj’s successor, Dr. S. Jaishankar, seems to be taking her legacy forward. Merely a day after taking charge of the Ministry of External Affairs, he addressed the grievances faced by several Indians abroad, using Twitter. A Twitter user reportedly asked for help claiming that her husband was not “responding to court summons” and was staying in Kuwait. Jaishankar was quick to take heed of the matter and replied, “Our Embassy in Kuwait is already working on it. Please be in touch with them @indembkwt.”

Another Twitter user, Vineeth Nair, asked for help stating, “Sir please help us we are 3 persons are trapped in Oman please help, 0096895084333 its my Oman no.” The External Affairs Minister was quick to come to his rescue and replied, “Our Embassy in Oman is trying to resolve this. Please continue to stay in touch with them @IndEmb_Muscat.”

One Mahalaxmi also sought help on Twitter by stating, “@DrSJaishankar Sir, Good evening. We are on a family trip to Germany and Italy. Now I’m in Torbole, Italy. My, my husband’s and my son’s passport were stolen along with my bag. We are going to Munich by 3rd and travelling to India by 6th. Please help. Thank you.” Dr. S. Jaishankar came to her rescue as well and replied, “Our Embassy in Rome/ Consul General in Munich will extend all assistance. Please be in touch with them @IndiainItaly @cgmunich.”

Dr. S. Jaishankar has started off convincingly as far as following Sushma Swaraj’s footsteps is concerned. He has continued the massive social media outreach initiative taken by Swaraj and seems all set to uphold the high levels of efficiency set by the Ministry of External Affairs.