Meet Sidharth Babu: The Diplomat Behind Modi, Putin, and Xi

Sep 15, 2026

88 min

Sep 15, 2026 12:32

Who is Sidharth Babu, the Kerala diplomat behind Modi, Putin and Xi?

## Rising Diplomatic Star

Sidharth Babu, a 36-year-old Indian Foreign Service officer from Kochi, Kerala, has recently gained attention after being spotted with world leaders at the 2026 BRICS Summit in New Delhi. His presence alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Chinese President Xi Jinping has sparked interest in his diplomatic journey.

## Career Path

Babu's career began in mechanical engineering, having graduated from Mar Athanasius College of Engineering in 2012. He initially worked in e-commerce before pursuing the Civil Services Examination, eventually joining the Indian Foreign Service in 2017.

## Expertise in East Asia

Babu's expertise in Mandarin and his experience in China have been pivotal in his diplomatic roles. He served in Beijing from 2018 to 2022, where he honed his language skills and navigated complex diplomatic relations. His current role as Deputy Secretary in the East Asia Division of India's Ministry of External Affairs underscores his specialization in this region.

## International Experience

After his tenure in China, Babu was posted in California as a consul from 2022 to 2024, where he furthered his language skills with a master's degree in interpretation and translation. Returning to India in 2024, he quickly advanced to his current position.

## Notable Appearances

The BRICS Summit isn't Babu's first high-profile engagement. He was also seen interpreting for Modi during the Republic Day celebrations in January 2026, assisting in conversations with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

## Viral Moment

The image of Babu at the BRICS Summit has gone viral, highlighting the crucial role of diplomats who work behind the scenes during significant international interactions. His journey from engineering to diplomacy illustrates a unique career path that places him at the heart of India's global engagements.

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