Vijay Keshav Gokhale

Vijay Keshav Gokhale is a distinguished Indian diplomat, civil servant, and author who served as the Foreign Secretary of India from January 2018 to January 2020. Known for his extensive experience in East Asian affairs and his significant role in shaping India’s foreign policy towards China, Gokhale is widely respected for his strategic insight, calm diplomacy, and contributions to strengthening India’s global engagement.

Early Life and Education

Vijay Keshav Gokhale was born in 1959 in Pune, Maharashtra, India. He graduated from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, and later obtained a Master’s degree in History from the University of Delhi. His academic background in history and international relations laid the foundation for his career in diplomacy, providing him with a deep understanding of global political dynamics and cultural nuances.
He joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1981, embarking on a diplomatic career that would span nearly four decades and include some of the most strategically important postings in India’s external relations.

Diplomatic Career and Major Postings

Over the course of his career, Gokhale served in a variety of roles across continents, with a notable concentration in East Asia. His postings reflected his specialisation in India–China relations, making him one of India’s foremost experts on the subject.
Key assignments in his diplomatic journey include:

• High Commissioner of India to Malaysia (2010–2013): In this role, Gokhale worked on strengthening economic and cultural ties between India and Malaysia, focusing on trade cooperation and diaspora engagement.
• Ambassador of India to Germany (2013–2016): He contributed to enhancing Indo-German collaboration in technology, manufacturing, and education, in line with the “Make in India” initiative.
• Ambassador of India to China (2016–2017): Perhaps his most significant posting, Gokhale’s tenure in Beijing coincided with critical developments in bilateral relations, including the Doklam standoff between India and China in 2017. He played a crucial role in managing diplomatic communication and defusing tensions through negotiation and quiet diplomacy.

Following his service in China, he was appointed Foreign Secretary of India, the highest-ranking position in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

Tenure as Foreign Secretary (2018–2020)

As Foreign Secretary, Gokhale guided India’s foreign policy during a period marked by global uncertainty and regional challenges. His tenure was defined by a blend of strategic caution and assertiveness, particularly in managing relations with China, the United States, and neighbouring South Asian nations.
Major initiatives and achievements under his tenure include:

• Post-Doklam Normalisation: Consolidated efforts to restore stable diplomatic communication with China following the 2017 border standoff.
• Wuhan and Mamallapuram Informal Summits: Facilitated high-level dialogues between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping, aimed at rebuilding trust and enhancing bilateral cooperation.
• Strengthening Indo-Pacific Strategy: Advocated India’s role in a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific, deepening engagement with ASEAN countries, Japan, Australia, and the United States.
• Crisis Diplomacy: Oversaw India’s external response to major international events, including the Balakot airstrike (2019) and subsequent diplomatic communications with key global powers.
• Economic Diplomacy: Promoted India’s trade and investment interests amidst global economic shifts, focusing on self-reliance and partnerships in technology and defence.

Gokhale’s tenure was marked by his quiet, methodical approach to diplomacy, favouring behind-the-scenes negotiation over public confrontation.

Role in India–China Relations

Vijay Gokhale is best known for his deep understanding of China’s political system, history, and strategic thinking. His long experience in Chinese affairs, coupled with fluency in Mandarin, made him an indispensable figure in managing India’s complex relationship with its neighbour.
During his diplomatic career, he served in multiple postings in China, including at the Indian Embassy in Beijing and the Consulate General in Hong Kong. His analytical grasp of China’s internal policymaking enabled him to advise successive Indian governments on the subtleties of Beijing’s strategic posture.
Gokhale’s role in the resolution of the Doklam crisis was a defining moment. He worked discreetly to reduce tensions, maintaining communication channels at multiple levels while ensuring India’s security and sovereignty were not compromised. His later writings and speeches have shed light on the challenges of dealing with China’s negotiation style and the broader implications for India’s foreign policy.

Post-Retirement Work and Publications

After retiring from government service in January 2020, Vijay Gokhale transitioned into research, writing, and public commentary. He has contributed significantly to the study of Indian foreign policy and China–India relations through analytical works and articles.
His notable publications include:

• “Tiananmen Square: The Making of a Protest” (2011): A study of the 1989 student movement in China and its political aftermath.
• “The Long Game: How the Chinese Negotiate with India” (2021): An influential book analysing Chinese diplomatic behaviour and negotiation patterns from a practitioner’s perspective.
• “After Tiananmen: The Rise of China and the Indian Response” (2022): A detailed account of India’s evolving China policy following the Tiananmen incident, offering historical insights into bilateral engagement.

These works combine scholarly analysis with first-hand diplomatic experience, offering valuable perspectives for policymakers, academics, and students of international relations.

Approach and Diplomatic Philosophy

Gokhale is known for his measured and pragmatic diplomatic style, emphasising strategic patience, informed analysis, and cultural understanding. He advocates for a foreign policy based on realism and national interest, while maintaining the principles of dialogue and restraint.
His writings frequently underline the importance of understanding China’s historical psyche, political hierarchy, and negotiation culture. He also stresses the need for India to strengthen its institutional capacity in foreign policy analysis and strategic communication.

Recognition and Legacy

Throughout his career, Vijay Keshav Gokhale earned a reputation as one of India’s most thoughtful and disciplined diplomats. Colleagues and scholars alike commend his ability to blend historical knowledge with practical statecraft.
His contributions continue to shape India’s contemporary diplomatic strategies, especially in navigating complex relationships in Asia and beyond. As an author and public intellectual, he remains a leading voice in discussions on India’s external affairs, offering insight grounded in decades of experience and a profound understanding of international diplomacy.