Man Behind ‘The Diplomat’ Movie: Meet JP Singh, India’s Foreign Policy Architect

JP Singh is a name synonymous with diplomatic resilience and strategic acumen.

Jitender Pal Singh, commonly known as JP Singh, is a 2002-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer. His career began with probationary training at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service. His initial postings took him across various Indian missions worldwide, including Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

While his tenure in Turkey remains less documented, it was a crucial stepping stone in his diplomatic journey. In Afghanistan, he was exposed to post-conflict diplomacy, gaining firsthand experience in handling crisis situations.

Role as Deputy High Commissioner in Pakistan

One of the most defining moments of his career came during his tenure as Deputy High Commissioner in Pakistan, particularly in 2017. He played a pivotal role in the high-profile rescue of Uzma Ahmed, an Indian woman who was tricked into a forced marriage in Pakistan.

JP Singh meticulously oversaw her legal representation, appointed Pakistani lawyers, and ensured the necessary documentation to assert her rights. His personal involvement, including attending court hearings, provided moral and official support. His efforts culminated in Uzma Ahmed’s safe return to India on May 24, 2017, as he personally escorted her to the Wagah Border.

Strengthening India’s Relations with Afghanistan

JP Singh was posted in Kabul between 2008 and 2012, a period marked by two major terrorist attacks on the Indian embassy. Despite the dangers, he remained on the ground, continuing to work towards India’s diplomatic and developmental goals in Afghanistan.

During his tenure, India undertook major infrastructure projects, including:

Zaranj-Delaram Highway: A 218-km road completed in 2010 to facilitate the movement of goods to the Iranian border, connecting with the Garland Highway that links Kabul, Kandahar, Mazar-e-Sharif, Herat, and Kunduz.

Afghan Parliament Building: Built and gifted by India as a symbol of friendship.

India-Afghanistan Friendship Dam (Salma Dam): A 42-MW hydropower and irrigation project in Herat, completed in 2016, benefiting thousands of families.

Stor Palace Restoration: India restored this historic building in Kabul under a tripartite agreement with Afghanistan and the Aga Khan Development Network.

Healthcare and Infrastructure Development: India constructed healthcare centers in border provinces like Badakhshan, Balkh, Kandahar, Khost, Kunar, Nangarhar, Nimruz, Nooristan, Paktia, and Paktika.

220kV Transmission Line: From Pul-e-Khumri to Kabul, improving electricity supply.

Military and Transport Aid: India provided 100s of buses for Kabul’s transportation system, 285 military vehicles for the Afghan National Army, Mi-25 and Mi-35 helicopters for the Afghan Air Force, ambulances, and Airbus aircraft for the national airline.

Role in India-Iran Relations

JP Singh played a crucial role in fostering India’s strategic ties with Iran. One of his most significant contributions was advancing the Chabahar Port Project, a joint initiative between India and Iran that provides Afghanistan with direct access to the Indian Ocean. The port has facilitated the shipment of humanitarian aid, including millions of tonnes of wheat, to Afghanistan.

Additionally, Singh was instrumental in the historic India-Iran-Afghanistan trilateral transit pact, which streamlined trade between the three nations, bolstering regional economic activities.

India-Iran-Armenia Trilateral Engagement

More recently, JP Singh has represented India in the India-Iran-Armenia trilateral dialogue, focusing on connectivity, multilateral engagement, trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges. His role has been critical in strengthening India’s strategic outreach in the region.

Leadership in PAI Division (Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran)

As Joint Secretary for the PAI Division, JP Singh was responsible for shaping India’s policies toward Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran. His diplomatic expertise was put to the test following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan in 2021. While India feared Afghanistan aligning with Pakistan, Singh ensured continued diplomatic engagement with the Taliban regime.

He visited Afghanistan at least four times, engaging with key figures such as Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Defense Minister Mullah Yaqoob. His efforts facilitated the delivery of humanitarian aid, laying the groundwork for higher-level interactions, including Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s meeting with Taliban officials in Dubai. His swift maneuvering helped maintain Kabul’s alignment closer to New Delhi than Islamabad.

India’s Next Ambassador to Israel

As of 2025, JP Singh is set to take on one of the most crucial diplomatic postings of his career as India’s Ambassador to Israel. His appointment comes at a time when India maintains close ties with both Israel and the Arab world. This posting will allow him to engage in high-stakes negotiations and influence regional geopolitics.

Key diplomatic priorities in Israel under Singh’s leadership may include:

• Strengthening bilateral defense and technological cooperation.
• Reviving multilateral engagements such as the I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-US) group.
• Expanding the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
• Enhancing India-Israel trade, investment, and intelligence collaboration.

The Diplomat: A Film Inspired by His Story

JP Singh’s extraordinary career has not only shaped India’s foreign policy but has also inspired cinema. The upcoming film “The Diplomat,” starring John Abraham, is based on his role in the rescue of Uzma Ahmed. His ability to navigate complex international negotiations and safeguard India’s interests in volatile regions has cemented his reputation as one of India’s most influential diplomats.

JP Singh is a name synonymous with diplomatic resilience and strategic acumen. From rescuing an Indian national in Pakistan to strengthening India’s ties with Afghanistan, Iran, and Israel, his contributions have left a lasting impact on India’s foreign policy. As he takes on his next challenge in Tel Aviv, his legacy as a skilled negotiator and a committed diplomat continues to grow. His journey serves as a testament to the power of diplomacy in shaping global relations.

The Article is curated based on the X-Thread of Tanmay Saukur.