Meet Sibi George, The Diplomat Taking The Tough Questions For India Abroad

Last Updated:May 19, 2026, 08:23 IST

Coming from the Podimattam family of Pala in Kottayam district of Kerala, George is no stranger to tough diplomatic assignments over the past three decades

When a Norwegian journalist asked why the world should trust India and questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not taking questions directly during an overseas visit, many expected a diplomatic answer. Instead, a seasoned diplomat, Sibi George, leaned forward and delivered a forceful defence of India—one that blended constitutional values, civilisational pride, democratic credentials and geopolitical achievements into a single answer.

“How would you test trust in a country?" George shot back calmly, before listing India’s role during Covid-19, its democratic system, peaceful transfers of power and its ability to unite deeply divided nations during the G20 Summit in New Delhi.

“We are 1/6th of the world’s population, but not 1/6th of the world’s problems," he said, in a line that has now become closely associated with his style of diplomatic messaging. He also cited how India’s Constitution gives every citizen the fundamental right to approach the courts if he or she feels their rights have been infringed upon.

The exchange quickly spread across social media platforms in India, with many praising the senior diplomat for confidently handling a difficult international media question without sounding rattled or overly scripted.

Coming from the Podimattam family of Pala in Kottayam district of Kerala, George is no stranger to tough diplomatic assignments.

In the prime minister’s current trip to Europe, George—India’s Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs—has emerged as one of the most visible faces accompanying PM Modi. This is not because he seeks the spotlight, but because he increasingly finds himself answering some of the toughest questions directed at India abroad.

In the tightly controlled world of diplomacy, where carefully worded statements are the norm, George’s responses stand out for another reason: they are expansive. Rather than restricting himself to brief official talking points, he often responds with long historical and cultural arguments.

That approach was visible again during another interaction with a Dutch journalist last week who questioned India on press freedom and minority rights. George did not dismiss the question. Instead, he launched into a detailed explanation of India’s civilisational history, religious diversity, and democratic structure.

“There is no other country in the world where four religions originated and continue to flourish," he said, referring to Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. He went on to speak about how Judaism, Christianity and Islam had all found space in India over centuries, describing India as a country where diversity was not merely tolerated but deeply embedded in society.

He defended India’s democratic credentials by pointing to high voter participation, freedom of expression and the widespread use of smartphones and digital media. “That makes our democracy a very noisy democracy and we are proud of that," he remarked.

For supporters of the government, these moments have turned George into an unlikely internet figure—a diplomat who appears willing to take difficult questions head-on instead of dodging them. Clips of his answers are circulating online with captions praising his composure and articulation.

But those who know George say this confidence did not emerge overnight. It is the product of more than three decades spent in some of the world’s most politically sensitive diplomatic environments.

George previously served as India’s Ambassador to Japan, Switzerland, Kuwait, the Holy See, Liechtenstein and the Marshall Islands. His diplomatic career began in 1993 after joining the Indian Foreign Service.

His first posting was in Cairo, where he worked as a political officer; an assignment that exposed him early to the complexities of Middle Eastern politics and strategic diplomacy. From there, he moved to Doha, where he handled consular, media and community affairs as First Secretary.

Over the years, George built a career around difficult assignments. He served as Political Counsellor in Islamabad at a time when India-Pakistan relations were among the most fragile in the region. He later moved to Washington DC, handling both political and commercial responsibilities in one of India’s most critical diplomatic relationships.

He also served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Tehran and Riyadh, postings that required balancing India’s energy interests, regional security concerns and the welfare of millions of Indian expatriates living in West Asia. Diplomats familiar with these assignments say they are among the toughest jobs in the foreign service because they demand not just negotiation skills but also the ability to manage crises quietly and efficiently.

Back at the Ministry of External Affairs headquarters in New Delhi, George handled key responsibilities in the East Asia Division and coordinated the India-Africa Forum Summit, one of India’s largest diplomatic outreach exercises aimed at strengthening ties with African nations.

He later headed the Administration, Establishment and Welfare Divisions in the MEA—roles that required managing the ministry’s internal systems and personnel. In 2014, his work was recognised with the prestigious SK Singh Award for Excellence in the Indian Foreign Service.

Despite the polished diplomat image he now carries internationally, George’s personal story remains deeply rooted in Kerala. He is known among colleagues as someone who retains a grounded and academic personality despite years in elite diplomatic circles.

A gold medallist in both graduation and post-graduation, George studied at the American University in Cairo and trained at institutions, including the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, IIM Ahmedabad, IIM Bengaluru, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade and ISB Hyderabad.

People who have interacted with him describe him as meticulous in preparation but conversational in delivery—a combination that becomes evident during media briefings. George often responds in a flowing narrative style, drawing from history, economics, religion and diplomacy in a single answer.

A source said that ability makes him effective in difficult international settings where questions are not always friendly. Critics may argue that some of his responses sound more political than diplomatic. But all will acknowledge one thing: he rarely appears uncomfortable under pressure.

At a time when India’s global profile has risen sharply and scrutiny of its domestic politics has become increasingly common during foreign visits, officials accompanying the prime minister are no longer just quiet background figures. They are expected to defend policy, explain India’s democratic framework and respond instantly to global narratives.

In that changing diplomatic environment, Sibi George has become one of the Indian establishment’s most recognisable communicators abroad—a career diplomat who has unexpectedly become the face of India’s rebuttal machine during some of the toughest international press interactions.

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