'Can't solve your passport/visa problems': Jaishankar's son tells a Twitter user

S Jaishankar, who takes charge of the ministry nearly 16 months after he retired as foreign secretary, will also have to deal with overall expectations of expanding India's global influence and stature, particularly in key multilateral forums like G-20, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and BRICS.

New Delhi: Former foreign secretary S Jaishankar was given charge of the External Affairs ministry on Friday, a rare instance of a career diplomat handling the key portfolio as minister. And as soon as the announcement was made, requests began pouring in on his son Dhruva Jaishankar's Twitter account from people facing troubles with their passports and visas.  However, Dhruva made it clear with his quirky sense of humour that he can't help is troubleshooting their woes.  "And before anyone asks, I can absolutely not help anyone with their passport, visa, or getting-you-out-of-a-foreign-prison problems.  I have plenty of those problems myself (other than the prisons - I try to stay clear of those)," fellow, Brookings India.

And before anyone asks, I can absolutely not help anyone with their passport, visa, or getting-you-out-of-a-foreign-prison problems. I have plenty of those problems myself (other than the prisons - I try to stay clear of those).

— Dhruva Jaishankar (@d_jaishankar) May 31, 2019

Some told him on Twitter that such requests are bound to come as former foreign minister Sushma Swaraj had set a precedent by remaining prompt in replying to distress calls. She often walked the extra mile to help Indians stranded abroad or facilitating travel of their relatives during a tragedy. 5 things to know about S Jaishankar

• Jaishankar, son of the late K Subrahmanyam, one of India's leading strategic analysts, was a key member of the Indian team which negotiated the landmark Indo-US nuclear deal.
• A graduate of St Stephen's College, Jaishankar is an MA in Political Science and an MPhil and PhD in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Jaishankar is married to Kyoko Jaishankar and has two sons and a daughter.
• In 2019, Jaishankar was conferred with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award of the country.
• Considered an expert on China and the US, the new External Affairs minister's moves will be keenly watched to see whether he brings any changes in India's approach in dealing with a hostile Pakistan.
• He is the first foreign secretary to head the MEA as minister.

(With additional information from PTI)