The choice of some of the new cabinet members – a master stroke? Full list is out / Manohar Khushalani

S. Jaishankar, Ajit Doval and Narendra Modi

Getting Dr. S. Jaishankar, as a member of the Indian Cabinet is a master stroke by PM Modi. He was the negotiator of the Civil Nuclear Deal with USA, which required complex negotiations. Dr. S. Jayshankar worked with Manmohan Singh on the Civil Nuclear Deal. That was one of the greatest achievements of Mr. Manmohan Singh. I remember following the regular updates on this matter. The negotiations were really complex, and it was quite a task making the American Government turn around navigating through intricate International agreements.

Jayshankar was also the man behind diffusion of Doclam standoff. Besides he was the Ambassador to US and China. One couldn’t think of a better Minister of Foreign Affairs. The reappointment of Ajit Doval and inclusion of Hardeep S. Puri in the cabinet, shows a focus on India’s International Relations. Signs of India emerging as a Geopolitical power.

But Doval is the first NSA to have cabinet rank. A significant amount of credit for the success of the post-Uri surgical strikes in PoK, as well as the Balakot strikes post-Pulwama may go to Doval. In resolving the Doklam standoff, both Doval and Jaishankar reportedly played key roles.

Besides in his first innings the PM was disadvantaged by not having enough expertise in his cabinet. That is why Ministers like Arun Jaitley were overloaded with too many responsibilites and ministries. This time in his second inning’s the PM appears to be following the American model of installing professionals as his advisers.

The list of the ministries is out. Amit Shah has not been given Finance. A better qualified Woman from JNU has been given the responsibility -Nirmala Sitarman. These are her qualifications. So I am told:

BA (Economics)
MA (Economics)
M. Phil (Economics)
Assistant to Economist, Agricultural Engineers Association, UK
Manager, BBC
Senior Manager R&D, Price Waterhouse
Former Commerce Minister, India
Former Defence Minister, India
Now Finance Minister Of India

Here is the complete list of Ministers with Portfolios released by Rashtrapati Bhawan

Cabinet Ministers

Ministers of State (Independent Charge)

Ministers of State