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Siddharth Babu: The Interpreter Behind India’s BRICS Diplomacy
By Drooid · · How we work
The BRICS Summit Spotlight
During the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, a widely shared photograph captured Prime Minister Narendra Modi flanked by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. A young Indian official standing just behind Modi drew equal attention. That official is Siddharth Babu, a 2017-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer who served as the prime minister’s diplomatic interpreter for the meeting.
Interpreter Role and Diplomatic Presence
Babu’s primary function at the summit was to translate President Xi’s remarks in real time, ensuring Modi could follow the conversation without delay. Interpreters at such high-level gatherings must convey not only words but also tone, cultural nuance, and diplomatic subtleties, a skill set that helps prevent misunderstandings that could affect bilateral talks on trade, security, and technology.
Career Path and Qualifications
- Education and Early Work – Babu earned a mechanical-engineering degree from Mar Athanasious College of Engineering (2012) and worked in e-commerce before entering the civil services.
- Civil-Service Entry – After a second attempt, he secured All India Rank 15 in the 2016 UPSC examination, opting for the IFS over the IAS.
- Foreign Postings – His first overseas assignment was in Beijing, where he served as Third Secretary (2018-2020) and Second Secretary (2020-2022), developing fluency in Chinese. He later acted as consul in California from August 2022 to June 2024 and completed a master’s in language interpretation at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies.
- Ministry Roles – Upon returning to New Delhi in 2024, he served as Under Secretary before becoming Deputy Secretary in the East Asia Division of the Ministry of External Affairs in January 2025. The ministry lists him as a diplomatic interpreter for the prime minister and Deputy Secretary for Europe and Eurasia.
Significance of Interpreters in High-Level Diplomacy
The visibility of Babu underscores the essential, behind-the-scenes work that enables seamless communication among world leaders. Accurate interpretation can shape the framing of agreements and reduce the risk of diplomatic friction, especially when leaders converse in rapid succession during informal moments.
Recent Appearances
Beyond the BRICS summit, Babu was positioned on the VIP podium during India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, interpreting a dialogue between Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. His recurring presence at such events highlights the growing reliance on specialized language officers within India’s foreign-policy apparatus.