Hardeep Singh Puri

Hardeep Singh Puri is an acclaimed Indian author, diplomat and politician. He has had remarkable careers in both the public and private sectors, notably serving as India's envoy to the United Nations, its chief negotiator for the World Trade Organization (WTO) and its Minister of Civil Aviation. He has also served as a distinguished fellow at the Observer Research Foundation in New Delhi and the Takshashila Institution in Bengaluru.

Puri was born in Delhi in 1950, and attended the prestigious St. Stephen's College at the University of Delhi, graduating in 1972 with honours in economics. After completing his studies, he joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1973 and served in a variety of important diplomatic posts, including as Ambassador/Permanent Representative to the United Nations (2009–2013), India's Ambassador to Brazil (2003–2006), Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (2005–2008) and Represenative to the WTO (1995–1999).

Puri has published several works of non-fiction and fiction, including the acclaimed autobiography Beyond Diplomacy (2013). In this work, he provides an insight into the world of global diplomacy and foreign policymaking and his own experiences in various positions of public service. He also pens political commentary regularly in the press and his scholarship has been published in various journals and edited volumes.

A key theme in Puri's writing is the strong need to develop a pragmatic and creative foreign policy vision for India in the 21st Century. He feels that India needs to shift its thinking to a global frame of mind if it wishes to successfully wield influence on the world stage and protect its strategic interests. In this vein, he also has written in favour of India pursuing deeper engagement with the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), an organisation of Southeast Asian countries. Puri has further argued that India should actively work to reduce nuclear and missile proliferation in South Asia and promote better diplomatic relations with Pakistan.

In addition to his writing, Puri has been an active leader in the Indian political and media landscape. He has served in various ministerial positions, most recently as the Minister of Civil Aviation (2016–20). In this role, he was instrumental in modernizing India's airports and expanding the aviation sector, particularly in its remote corners. He has also chaired various public policy think tanks and served on various advisory boards.

Hardeep Singh Puri is an effective writer, diplomat and politician who has contributed significantly to India's policymaking in both the public and the private sectors. His works have captured the imagination of a younger generation of Indians keen on understanding the need for dynamic and creative foreign policy approaches. His commitment to the public good, trajectory as a distinguished diplomat, and valuable insights into the international geopolitical landscape make him an invaluable contributor to India's future policy potential.