ORAL HISTORY
The Heart & Craft of Diplomacy: Perceptions and Recollections of a Seasoned Diplomat

By : Latha Reddy

Page No: 74-92

Abstract
My generation of diplomats, by which I mean those of us who worked for nearly four decades between 1975 and 2013 was, I believe, a fortunate one. I propose to confine my thoughts on the heart and craft of diplomacy to five main themes. The first theme is to outline the history of the creation of independent India’s Foreign Service, and its roots in our civilisational history. The second theme is my understanding of the various duties of a dedicated diplomat, with special reference to those owed to the government of the day, the Constitution of India, and the nation itself. The third theme is the leadership that diplomats need to develop and display in times of crisis, and at every level of their careers. The fourth theme is the often challenging relationship between diplomats and politicians. The final and fifth theme, for which I seek your indulgence, is a review of some challenges and highlights of my diplomatic career.

Author
Ambassador (Retd.) Latha Reddy was a Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, and Deputy National Security Advisor. She co-founded the Hoodi Strategy Group.
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/IFAJ.2026.21.1.5