IFS Officer Siddharth Babu: From Engineering to Diplomacy, PM Modi's Republic Day Interpreter

• IFS Officer Siddharth Babu, AIR 15 in UPSC 2016, was seen interpreting for PM Modi and Ursula von der Leyen on Republic Day.
• Originally a Mechanical Engineer from Kochi, Kerala, he worked in e-commerce before pursuing civil services.
• Inspired by foreign policy and global politics, he chose IFS over IAS despite securing a high rank (AIR 15).
• He trained at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies and is proficient in multiple languages, crucial for his role.
• Currently Deputy Secretary (Europe and America Division) in MEA, his story highlights curiosity, patience, and strategic choices.

Why It Matters: Siddharth Babu's journey from engineering to a key diplomatic role exemplifies passion and strategic career choices.