New Delhi

India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar was at his diplomatic best when asked a tricky question during a rapid-fire round. In the interview, Jaishankar was asked to pick who would he like to have dinner with, North Korean premier Kim Jong Un or Hungarian-American businessman George Soros.

Advertisment

While the question was light-hearted in nature, it was still politically charged, but still Jaishankar came out on top with a humorous yet clever response: "I think this is Navratri, I am fasting."

Notably, Navratri is an annual Hindu festival celebrated in honour of Goddess Durga - spread across nine days. The devotees fast during this period and observe a strict vegetarian diet while abstaining from alcohol and certain spices. 

Jaishankar's reply instantly went viral on social media, with the netizens appreciating the EAM's quick thinking.

Advertisment

One user said, "Our EAM's presence of mind is at the next level," while another added: "Ohh I love this man, I mean the wittiness is so on point."

A third commented: "I think he is the greatest and most capable foreign minister till date. 40 years diplomacy."

×

Advertisment

Watch | Indian EAM S Jaishankar says 'era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over

×

Jaishankar on Pakistan trip 

This is not the first instance when Jaishankar has come up with such a comeback. On Saturday (Oct 5), Jaishankar made it clear that he had no plans to engage in talks with Pakistan during his upcoming visit to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting.

"Yes, I am scheduled to go to Pakistan in the middle of this month and that is for the meeting of the SCO — the heads of government meeting," said Jaishankar. 

Also read | India's EAM Jaishankar declares 'era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan' over

The minister added that he would 'behave himself' during the trip despite media pushing him for details regarding India-Pakistan ties.  

"I expect that there would be a lot of media interest because the very nature of the relationship is such and I think we will deal with it. But, I do want to say it will be there for a multilateral event, I mean I am not going there to discuss India-Pakistan relations. I am going there to be a good member of the SCO. Since I am a courteous and civil person, I will behave myself accordingly."

Jaishankar has previously made it clear as well that the era of 'uninterrupted dialogue' with Pakistan was long over. 

(With inputs from agencies)