The growing appetite for international affairs and strategic discourse among Indian audiences is reshaping both diplomacy and media. With nearly every leading broadcaster launching dedicated “World” networks, the media landscape has become a lucrative platform for expertise-driven commentary. As this trend gathers pace, a new generation of Indian Foreign Service officers—especially those in their 30s—are beginning to explore alternative careers in the media industry. Traditionally, many retired diplomats transitioned into think tanks or commentary roles post-retirement. But today’s younger officers, equipped with diplomatic experience and global exposure, see television and digital platforms as outlets for impactful engagement that bypass bureaucratic hierarchies and constraints.

This shift reflects a deeper transformation in India’s diplomatic ecosystem. As media narratives increasingly shape global perceptions of India’s strategic posture, diplomacy is no longer confined to embassies or official communiqués. The lines between statecraft and storytelling are blurring, and the voices guiding India’s foreign policy narrative may soon emerge not just from South Block—but from the studios of New Delhi and beyond.