Mr. Dhruva Jaishankar is a distinguished foreign-policy professional whose educational and professional journey spans India, the United States and several other parts of the world.
Education at Leading American Institutions
Mr. Jaishankar earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Classics from Macalester College in the United States.
He subsequently completed a Master of Arts in Security Studies at Georgetown University. Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service lists him among its prominent Security Studies alumni and identifies him as a member of the programme’s Class of 2011.
Building a Career Across India and the United States
Mr. Jaishankar’s professional experience includes important roles in both New Delhi and Washington, DC.
Earlier in his career, he worked as a news writer and reporter for CNN-IBN in New Delhi and as a research assistant at the Brookings Institution in Washington.
From 2009 to 2012, he worked with the Asia Program at the German Marshall Fund of the United States. He subsequently served as a Transatlantic Fellow at the organization from 2012 to 2016.
During 2015–2016, he was also a Visiting Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
Researching India’s Role in the World
Between 2016 and 2019, Mr. Jaishankar was a Fellow in Foreign Policy Studies at Brookings India in New Delhi and the Brookings Institution in Washington, DC.
His work has focused significantly on India’s place in the international system and its relationships with the United States, Europe and the wider Indo-Pacific region.
Leading ORF America
Mr. Jaishankar is currently the Executive Director of the Observer Research Foundation America, a Washington-based public-policy think tank that he helped establish in 2020.
Since 2025, he has also served as Vice President–Americas at the Observer Research Foundation and is an ex officio member of ORF America’s Board of Directors.
ORF America conducts research and develops networks for cooperation between developed and developing countries. Its work addresses policy challenges affecting India, the United States and their international partners.
Mr. Jaishankar’s leadership of this organization is a meaningful example of how internationally educated professionals can help strengthen India’s connections with the wider world.
Author of Vishwa Shastra
Mr. Jaishankar is also the author of Vishwa Shastra: India and the World, published by Penguin Random House India in December 2024.
The book examines India’s interactions with the world from ancient times to the present. It also discusses India’s strategic objectives and possible role in shaping the emerging international order.
Written for a wide audience that includes policymakers, scholars and students, the book helps readers understand India’s international journey and future priorities.
International Recognition
Mr. Jaishankar is a Non-Resident Fellow at Australia’s Lowy Institute. He was also appointed a Senior Fellow of the Asia New Zealand Foundation for 2026.
His commentary has appeared in numerous Indian and international publications, including Foreign Affairs, The Hindu, The Indian Express, The Times of India, BBC World, Foreign Policy and The Washington Post.
An Inspiring Journey for Students and Professionals
Dhruva Jaishankar’s journey demonstrates how education at leading international institutions can be combined with sustained professional work relating to India.
His career has taken him across countries and respected organizations, while his research, writing and institution-building continue to contribute to a better understanding of India and its role in the world.
For students and young professionals, his journey carries an important message: studying abroad can provide knowledge, international exposure and valuable professional networks. Its greatest value, however, may be realised when those experiences are also used to build international connections and contribute to India’s progress.
Official Sources
Security Studies Alumni – Georgetown University School of Foreign Service
Vishwa Shastra: India and the World – Penguin Random House India
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