External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar, known for his pragmatic and diplomatic stance on India’s foreign affairs, recently shared a personal connection to one of the most haunting episodes in Indian aviation history — the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC 814 in 1999. The incident, which gripped the nation and continues to be a painful memory for many, took on an emotional tone when Jaishankar recalled that his own father, K. Subrahmanyam, could have been aboard the ill-fated flight. This revelation adds a deeply personal layer to the EAM’s reflections on terrorism, diplomacy, and crisis management.
The IC 814 Hijacking: A National Crisis
On December 24, 1999, Flight IC 814, en route from Kathmandu to Delhi, was hijacked by five armed militants soon after it entered Indian airspace. What followed was a dramatic and tense standoff that played out over seven days and across several countries, before finally concluding in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The plane, with 176 passengers and crew, was held hostage by terrorists demanding the release of several militants imprisoned in India, most notably Masood Azhar, who later founded the terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.
The hijacking marked one of the most significant security crises in Indian history. The government, under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was forced to negotiate with the militants, and after days of failed attempts to resolve the situation peacefully, the Indian government agreed to release the prisoners in exchange for the safe return of the hostages. The entire episode left a deep scar on India’s counter-terrorism strategies, diplomatic relationships, and public psyche.
Jaishankar’s Personal Connection
In a candid recollection during a public event, Jaishankar revealed that his father, K. Subrahmanyam, a prominent strategic thinker and civil servant, had narrowly avoided being on the hijacked plane. Subrahmanyam, who was instrumental in shaping India’s defense policies during his career, had planned to travel on IC 814 that fateful day, but his plans changed at the last moment. “He had a ticket for that flight but did not board,” Jaishankar shared, emphasizing the close call and the emotional impact it had on his family.
While the story of the hijacking is familiar to most Indians, Jaishankar’s personal connection to the event brings a unique perspective. As someone who has dealt with multiple crises in his diplomatic career, his recounting of this harrowing incident reflects the delicate balance of emotions and decisions in times of national crisis. It also sheds light on the human side of diplomacy, where personal loss and professional duties often intertwine.
The Larger Impact on India’s Foreign Policy
Jaishankar, who has served as India’s Foreign Secretary and later as EAM, is no stranger to high-stakes diplomacy. The IC 814 hijacking, which occurred at a time when India’s diplomatic relations with Pakistan and Afghanistan were highly strained, was a watershed moment in the country’s foreign policy. It exposed vulnerabilities in India’s approach to terrorism and crisis management and led to introspection in the country’s diplomatic circles.
For Jaishankar, whose own career has been marked by efforts to strengthen India’s global standing and counter-terrorism measures, the lessons from IC 814 resonate deeply. He has often spoken about the need for India to be more assertive on the global stage, especially in dealing with terrorism. In his recent remarks, he reiterated the importance of not succumbing to terrorism and ensuring that India remains steadfast in its commitment to counter-terrorism efforts.
A Legacy of Resilience
The IC 814 hijacking remains a painful chapter in India’s history, but it also underscored the nation’s resilience in the face of adversity. Jaishankar’s personal connection to the event highlights the broader message that, even in moments of intense crisis, the decisions made by the government can have profound and far-reaching implications. The release of terrorists in exchange for hostages was heavily criticized, and in retrospect, many have debated whether a different approach could have been taken.
For Jaishankar, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of international diplomacy, where emotions, strategy, and realpolitik often collide. His reflection on the IC 814 hijacking is not just a recounting of history but a call to ensure that India is better prepared for such crises in the future. As EAM, he has been a vocal advocate for stronger counter-terrorism measures, closer international cooperation, and a more robust defense policy — lessons that, perhaps, were shaped in part by his family’s near brush with one of India’s most traumatic terror incidents.
In a world where the threat of terrorism remains ever-present, Jaishankar’s recollection of IC 814 serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of preparedness, resilience, and the constant pursuit of security in India’s foreign policy.