As John Abraham’s film The Diplomat finds its way into homes via Netflix, viewers are curious about the real man behind the character he portrays. The film is based on the dramatic real-life rescue of Uzma Ahmed, an Indian woman who escaped a forced marriage in Pakistan with the help of a resilient Indian diplomat widely known in diplomatic circles as JP sir.

That real-life hero is Jitender Pal Singh, a 2002-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), who is currently India’s ambassador to Israel. His life and career reflect the very essence of diplomacy under pressure, and he has been instrumental in navigating India’s foreign relations through complex regions like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and now Israel.

Early Career and Postings

JP Singh’s diplomatic journey began in Moscow, Russia, where he served as Third Secretary and Second Secretary at the Indian Embassy from 2004 to 2006. This was followed by a critical posting in Kabul, Afghanistan (2008–2012) during which the Indian Embassy faced two major terrorist attacks. Despite these high-risk situations, Singh remained on the ground, playing a central role in maintaining India’s diplomatic footprint in Afghanistan during a period of significant instability.

Role in Pakistan and the Uzma Ahmed Mission

Between 2014 and 2019, Singh served as India’s Deputy High Commissioner to Pakistan. It was during this tenure that he helped orchestrate the rescue of Uzma Ahmed, an Indian national who was trapped in Pakistan under dangerous circumstances. The operation required tact, legal acumen, and considerable courage.

Uzma Ahmed, who had travelled to Pakistan in 2017, was coerced into a marriage and managed to seek asylum at the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. Singh’s behind-the-scenes efforts, navigating both diplomatic and legal minefields, ultimately enabled Uzma to return safely to India. His work became the inspiration for Abraham’s character in The Diplomat and has since become a textbook example of quiet heroism in diplomacy.

Strategist for the Ministry of External Affairs

Singh’s experience in volatile zones made him an ideal choice for Joint Secretary in the powerful Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran (PAI) Division of the Ministry of External Affairs in 2020. He quickly became India’s point person on Afghanistan, especially as the Taliban returned to power following the US withdrawal.

In November 2024, Singh made headlines again when he met with Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob, the Taliban’s acting Defence Minister, in a rare and bold diplomatic initiative. The two sides discussed avenues to improve ties, especially in trade, humanitarian support, and regional stability. This paved the way for Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s meeting with Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai in December 2024—a major moment in India’s evolving Afghan strategy.

Key Roles and Leadership Positions

Here is a timeline of JP Singh’s major diplomatic postings:

• 2004–2006: Third & Second Secretary, Embassy of India, Moscow, Russia

• 2008–2012: First Secretary, Embassy of India, Kabul, Afghanistan

• 2014–2019: Deputy High Commissioner of India, Islamabad, Pakistan

• 2019–2020: Consul General of India, Istanbul, Turkey

• 2020–2024: Joint Secretary (PAI), Ministry of External Affairs

• 2024–2025: Chief of Staff to the External Affairs Minister

• 2025–Present: Ambassador of India to the State of Israel

Each of these roles has shaped Singh into one of India’s most trusted and experienced diplomats, especially in high-risk, high-stakes environments. His move to Israel as ambassador comes at a time when the Middle East is facing intense geopolitical turbulence, making the role crucial for India’s strategic interests in the region.

Balancing Diplomacy and Danger

Whether facing bomb threats in Kabul, managing crises in Islamabad, or spearheading engagement with the Taliban, Singh’s legacy reflects not just survival in difficult postings, but active, courageous diplomacy that made a difference. His colleagues call him calm, determined, and discreet—a rare combination in the corridors of global diplomacy.

In his various roles, Singh has consistently balanced India’s strategic priorities with humanitarian considerations, exemplified by cases like Uzma Ahmed’s. His risk-aware, people-first approach has earned him deep respect within and beyond MEA circles.

A Fitting Tribute

The Diplomat may be a dramatization, but it successfully brings attention to the kind of real-life diplomatic bravery that rarely makes headlines. With John Abraham portraying a version of JP Singh, viewers are finally getting a glimpse into what it takes to be a career diplomat on the frontlines.

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