Why He Quit IFS? (Analyzing India's Foreign Services) - Ft. Shantanu Bhagwat with Naman Ep. 1

Indian Foreign Services Time Stamps 00:00:00 - Coming up 00:00:36 - Intro 00:02:00 - Who is Shanthanu Bhagwat and what's his story 00:10:05 - What made you join and resign from Indian Foreign Services 00:16:32 - How politicized is IFS compared to IAS 00:18:33 - How has your experience been working at the IFS 00:25:04 - Given the glorified image of the services, what's your understanding about the resignation of the civil servants and the state of the civil services? 00:30:13 - Is it still true that civil services provide the best tools and means to serve the people of India in our largest capacity? 00:34:54 - What are other ways and means other than civil services that a twenty year old can contribute to the India's story? 00:40:00 - How do people rank civil services in their career preferences around the world? 00:43:50 - What difference would removing civil services/ UPSC from India make? 00:48:50 - The story of Satyameva Jayate and London Business school 00:49:50 - MEA's HR Department and Resignations 00:53:15 - "Naman please ask Shanthanu, if Shanthanu were in his 20's in the year 2023 and he just graduated from his under-grad degree, will he still opt for civil services or will he re-define his life basis whatever experience he has?" 00:58:33 - Shanthanu's experiment with electoral politics in India? 01:03:08 - What skill sets did you learn at IFS that you wouldn't have learned from anywhere else in the world and how are you using those skill sets now? 01:06:00 - Would you be able to take care of your Family when you are at IFS? 01:08:10 - How old were you when you were acclimatizing to the MBA eco-system and how was your experience? 01:09:44 - Re-starting as an associate at the management consulting firm after being a mid-ranking officer at foreign services. 01:12:04 - Can an IFS Officer pursue higher degrees or should you quit? 01:14:18 - Why do you think "lateral entry" is a phenomenal idea? 01:15:45 - Is lateral entry possible in MEA? 01:17:40 - What are certain things that India can and perhaps should learn from Japan? 01:22:17 - Have you given up your Indian citizenship? 01:24:00 - What is a weak passport and what's the government's role in strengthening it? 01:28:29 - How much "freedom" do you actually have in the Indian Foreign Services? 01:31:03 - What is your current role and what do you do? 01:31:35 - Closing    • Indian Foreign Service - Qualities require...      • Vice-President interacts with Indian Forei...   Naman is the CEO of the Global Governance Initiative, and a co-investor in leading early-stage ventures in agri-tech, and education. He has worked as an advisor to senior public officials in India. Naman has also been part of the United Nations - Office of Internal Oversight Services and has also been a Special Advisor to the Governments of Serbia, Albania, and North Macedonia in matters of their Foreign Policy. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Harry Ratliffe Memorial Award - awarded by the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy's Alumni Executive Board. (FACA). Naman is on a mission to create a world that is better led, better served, and better governed via the Global Governance Initiative. If you'd like to become part of his mission. You can also connect with him on Instagram:   / englishaugust   **** Follow Shantanu's Work : The Blog: https://satyameva-jayate.org/ and a little bit about me: https://satyameva-jayate.org/2008/10/... The Facebook page:   / satyamevajayate.bshantanu   And the YouTube channel    / jaidharma   Work Profile 1. **Formulating and Implementing Foreign Policy**: IFS officers are responsible for advising on and implementing India's foreign policy. They play a key role in the decision-making process related to India's relations with other countries and international organizations 2. **Promoting Economic Interests**: IFS officers work to promote India's economic interests abroad. This includes boosting trade, attracting foreign investments, enhancing technological cooperation, promoting tourism, and advocating for India's positions on economic matters in international forums. 3. **Protecting Indian Citizens Abroad**: One of the main duties of IFS officers is to provide assistance to Indian citizens living or traveling abroad. This includes helping with passport and visa issues, providing consular services, and ensuring the welfare of Indians overseas. 4. **Crisis Management**: During times of international crisis, such as wars, evacuations, and natural disasters, IFS officers play a critical role in coordinating India's response. They work to safeguard the interests of India and its citizens in the crisis region. 5. **Cultural Diplomacy**: IFS officers also play a crucial role in promoting Indian culture and values abroad. This helps to improve mutual understanding and foster friendly relations between India and other countries. #iasmotivation #upscmotivation #upsc2025