During high-stakes discussions at the 18th BRICS summit in New Delhi, a calm and focused face repeatedly drew global attention alongside the world's most influential leaders. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin and held serious bilateral exchanges with Chinese President Xi Jinping, a young Indian diplomat stood steadily by his side. Photographs of this officer standing directly between PM Modi and President Putin, attentively listening and bridging the conversation, quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking immense public curiosity about his identity.
The diplomat is Siddharth Babu, hailing from Kochi, Kerala. A 2017-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, he served as Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official diplomatic interpreter at this historic summit. Within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Siddharth Babu is currently posted as Deputy Secretary in the Europe and Eurasia division.
The High-Pressure Role of a Diplomatic Interpreter
In closed-door diplomatic summits, an interpreter is far more than a literal translator converting words from one language to another. The interpreter functions as a critical bridge of trust between global powers. During bilateral meetings between top leaders of nations like India, Russia, and China, the specific phrasing, tone, and diplomatic nuance carry immense strategic weight. A minor misinterpretation or a slightly misplaced word can alter entire geopolitical calculations.
Decoding the complex statements and body language of leaders like Vladimir Putin and instantly relaying them with complete contextual accuracy to the Prime Minister requires exceptional focus and composure under intense pressure. Siddharth Babu executed this sensitive task with precision. Handling the Europe and Eurasia desk at the MEA provides him with a strong grasp of regional nuances and geopolitical realities, which proved invaluable during these top-level discussions.
From Engineering and E-Commerce to UPSC Success
Siddharth Babu's path from Kochi to the corridors of South Block reflects dedication and clear career intent. He completed his degree in mechanical engineering and initially began working in the corporate private sector, including stints in the e-commerce industry. However, his strong inclination toward international affairs and global relations led him to pivot toward public service.
He appeared for the UPSC Civil Services Examination and achieved All India Rank 15 in the 2016 examination cycle. Securing a top 15 rank easily positioned him to join the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), which is traditionally the most sought-after choice among civil service aspirants in the country. Siddharth Babu deliberately turned down the IAS to join the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), driven purely by his passion for diplomacy and international relations.
Language Expertise and National Assignments
As part of his diplomatic training within the Foreign Service, Siddharth Babu underwent rigorous foreign language instruction. This linguistic proficiency and cross-cultural communication skill have become central assets in his career. His presence alongside national leadership is not limited to BRICS. Earlier this year, he was on duty alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Republic Day celebrations, assisting in high-level engagements with visiting foreign dignitaries. His steady presence at major summits highlights the critical role played by career diplomats behind the scenes of global diplomacy.
