From Taliban To Bollywood, The Many Facets Of ‘JP’ — Played By John Abraham In 'The Diplomat'
From negotiating with ISI & speaking eye-to-eye with Taliban, to managing foreign policy crises at Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran desk, JP Singh, Indian envoy to Israel, is now a shining name in Bollywood.
Bollywood actor John Abraham, known for his patriotic films, has recently explored the theme of diplomacy in his new movie, ‘The Diplomat’. In the film, he portrays a glimpse into the life of one of India's most prominent diplomats, Jitender Pal Singh, commonly referred to as JP Singh within the corridors of power. JP Singh, fondly called ‘JP’ by many, is currently serving as India's envoy to Israel.
The movie opens with a lengthy disclaimer that spans over a minute, setting the stage for a narrative that claims to be based on the true story of Indian national Uzma Ahmed, who faced a harrowing experience in Pakistan before her eventual rescue. Following this disclaimer, the scene transitions to the breathtaking yet harsh terrain of Buner in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan, where the central events of the story begin to unfold.
In this film, Abraham takes on the complex role of Singh, a character that demands both depth and nuance. He has previously addressed sensitive topics, such as the involvement of Indian Peace Keeping Forces (IPKF) in Sri Lanka in the film "Madras Cafe", where he played the part of an Indian intelligence officer.
In this new role, Abraham masterfully embodies Singh, portraying him with a careful balance of restraint and emotional depth. Singh is depicted as a man whose outwardly calm expression and seemingly simple smile belies a wealth of untold experiences and stories. The performance invites audiences to explore the layers of Singh’s character, as they witness his journey against the backdrop of difficult circumstances.
Singh has been serving as India’s Ambassador to Israel since January this year. He is an officer from the 2002 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and has previously served in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkey. From 2008 to 2012, he was posted in Kabul during the height of the 20-year-long US-led war, a time when the Indian Embassy in the Afghan capital was attacked twice by terrorists. Additionally, Singh held the position of India’s Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan from 2014 to 2019.
He also headed the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran Division (PAI Division) in the Ministry of External Affairs as the Joint Secretary (JS) from 2020 till 2025. He has been one of longest serving JS (PAI) so far.
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The Diplomat's Pakistan Story
The horrific incident involving Uzma Ahmed occurred in 2017 when Singh was posted in Islamabad, Pakistan. Ahmed fell in love with a Pakistani national named Tahir Ali, whom she met in Malaysia. Ali allegedly tricked Ahmed into visiting Pakistan, where he forced her into marriage despite already being married and having children. Following the marriage, Ahmed was locked away and subjected to regular beatings and sexual assault. Eventually, she managed to escape to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. After a prolonged and complex legal battle, she was able to return to her home country, India.
The movie vividly illustrates Singh's unwavering grit, deep conviction, and remarkable courage. He wholeheartedly believed Ahmed's story, risking his own safety and that of the entire diplomatic staff present there at that time, by offering her refuge within the secure walls of the High Commission. This decision came with significant dangers, yet Singh’s compassion and commitment to helping someone in need shone through in a powerful way.
Upon her return, Ahmed addressed the media along with the then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Singh and the then MEA spokesperson Gopal Baglay. During her address, she narrated her ordeal and kept expressing her gratitude for Swaraj as well as Singh.
"Today, in the condition and circumstances in which I am sitting, it is only because of JP Singh Sir, who told me that they will do everything and that too within just two-three days. Sir delivered all the necessary items to me. He kept me safe and very well,” Ahmed said during the press conference.
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When Singh Was Dispatched To Kabul As Taliban Took Control
Following the Taliban's swift takeover of Kabul in August 2021, India found itself compelled to shut down its embassy due to escalating security threats. The entire diplomatic staff was evacuated, leaving a significant gap in India's diplomatic presence in Afghanistan. In response, the Narendra Modi government took a strategic step by appointing Singh as the primary liaison to engage with the Taliban administration.
Singh undertook a series of discreet trips to Afghanistan, during which he met with key figures in the Taliban's interim government. These unannounced visits were crucial in rebuilding India’s ties with the regime, laying the groundwork for the eventual reopening of the Indian embassy in June 2022, albeit with a minimal technical team rather than full diplomatic representation.
In a noteworthy development in November 2024, Singh garnered attention when he met Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, the Taliban's acting defence minister. This meeting held particular significance as it marked a historic interaction as Yaqoob, son of the Taliban's founder and supreme leader Mullah Omar, had never before engaged with Indian officials. The meeting underscored a pivotal moment in India's engagement with the Taliban, indicating a potential shift in diplomatic dynamics in the region.
There’s a line in the movie where the actor (Sadia Khateeb) playing the role of Uzma Ahmed tells Singh: “Kabhi kabhi aisa lagta hain jaise hain waise aap batate nahi ho, aur jo hain woh aap chupate ho (Sometimes it seems you don’t say what is happening and you hide the reality).”
Abraham replies: “Meri galti nahin hain. Peshe se diplomat hun, character se nahin (Not my fault. I am a diplomat by profession, not by character).”
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