Salman Khurshid

Indian diplomat and politician who pioneered India's Look East Policy and promoted nuclear disarmament.

Salmān Khurshīd (born 1948) is an Indian diplomat and former Union Minister known for shaping India's foreign policy. As External Affairs Minister (2011-2014), he expanded India's Look East Policy into the broader Act East Policy, strengthening ties with ASEAN nations. His 2005 book India's Foreign Policy remains a key text on South Asian diplomacy. Khurshid orchestrated the 2013 India-Sri Lanka agreement on fishermen's rights, resolving a long-standing maritime dispute. He co-founded the Indian Peace Initiative in 2008, advocating for nuclear disarmament. His 2016 memoir Between the Lines details his 40-year political career. Khurshid's work on climate change diplomacy led to India's 2015 Paris Agreement commitments. He currently chairs the Asian Clearinghouse on Violence Prevention. His advocacy for Kashmiri autonomy has made him a controversial yet influential figure in Indo-Pak relations. Khurshid's TED Talk "The Future of Indian Diplomacy" has influenced young policymakers across Asia.