English
English
English
Modi, Putin and Xi’s BRICS photo reveals the Indian diplomat behind the historic moment. (Img: Google)
New Delhi: A photograph from the BRICS Summit showing Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping has gone viral, but the spotlight has shifted to another Indian face standing between the global leaders. The officer is Siddharth Babu, a 2017-batch Indian Foreign Service officer whose behind-the-scenes diplomatic role has made him the centre of online curiosity.
As world leaders gathered in New Delhi for crucial discussions on global politics, trade and security, Siddharth Babu’s presence highlighted the important role played by Indian diplomats who work quietly behind major international engagements.
The viral BRICS photograph featuring Narendra Modi, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping captured one of the biggest diplomatic moments of the summit. However, social media users quickly noticed an Indian official standing close to the three leaders and began searching for his identity.
The man in the picture is Siddharth Babu, an Indian Foreign Service officer who serves as a diplomatic interpreter during important engagements involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and foreign leaders. Babu’s role places him among the key officials responsible for ensuring smooth communication during sensitive diplomatic conversations where every word, expression and tone can carry strategic importance.
Siddharth Babu’s journey into diplomacy was different from the traditional path of foreign policy experts. Originally from Kochi, Kerala, Babu studied mechanical engineering before entering the professional world.
He also worked in the private sector, including the e-commerce sector, before deciding to prepare for the UPSC Civil Services Examination. His interest in international affairs, global politics and India’s role in world diplomacy pushed him towards a career in the Indian Foreign Service.
In the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2016, Babu secured an impressive All India Rank 15. Despite having the opportunity to choose the prestigious Indian Administrative Service, he selected the Indian Foreign Service because of his passion for international relations and diplomacy.
At meetings involving leaders such as Modi, Putin and Xi Jinping, interpreters perform a much bigger role than simply translating languages. Diplomatic interpreters must understand international relations, political terminology, cultural differences and the hidden meaning behind official statements.
A small change in wording during discussions on security, borders, trade or global cooperation can have major diplomatic implications. Officers like Siddharth Babu help ensure that conversations between countries are communicated accurately while maintaining the original intent and diplomatic tone.
The BRICS Summit was not the first major event where Siddharth Babu was noticed beside Prime Minister Modi. Earlier, he was also seen during the 2026 Republic Day celebrations while assisting communication during interactions involving PM Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
His repeated appearance during major diplomatic events has brought attention to the often unseen officials who support India’s international engagements.
The BRICS Summit brought together some of the world’s most influential leaders, including Modi, Putin and Xi Jinping. During the summit, India-China relations, global economic cooperation, security challenges and geopolitical developments remained key areas of discussion.
Siddharth Babu’s presence during these interactions highlighted how foreign service officers play an important role in supporting India’s diplomatic outreach with major global powers. While political leaders dominate headlines, diplomats and interpreters form the backbone of international negotiations by managing communication and protocol.
The Modi-Putin-Xi BRICS photograph quickly gained attention online, with many users asking about the identity of the official standing alongside the three leaders. The curiosity around Siddharth Babu reflects growing public interest in the people working behind major diplomatic events.
His journey from engineering and corporate work to becoming a key part of India’s global diplomacy has also inspired discussions about career choices, UPSC success and the importance of specialised skills in international relations.
The attention around Siddharth Babu also highlights the contribution of Indian Foreign Service officers who operate away from the public spotlight. From preparing international meetings to handling communication between leaders, diplomats play a crucial role in strengthening India’s position on the global stage.
As India continues to engage with major economies and geopolitical partners, professionals with language expertise and diplomatic knowledge are becoming increasingly important.
With India expanding its global partnerships through platforms like BRICS, G20 and other international forums, officers like Siddharth Babu are expected to remain an important part of the country’s diplomatic machinery.
The viral BRICS photograph may have introduced him to millions of people, but his role represents the larger team of officials working behind India’s foreign policy efforts.
