External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently met Bollywood star John Abraham, where the two shared what Jaishankar described as an "interesting conversation" covering a range of topics — from Abraham’s upcoming movie The Diplomat to football and the culture of India’s Northeast region. In a lighthearted moment, Abraham gifted Jaishankar a personalized football jersey with his name and the number 9 printed on the back. Jaishankar later shared a photo of the jersey on social media platform X, expressing his appreciation for the meeting.
"An interesting conversation with @TheJohnAbraham on his new movie The Diplomat. As also on football, the Northeast, and our respective worlds," Jaishankar wrote. Abraham responded warmly, calling it an honor to meet the minister. "Was a pleasure and honor to meet a man who I so intently follow," Abraham said. "We discussed diplomacy, the Northeast, and football amongst many other things. Truly an honor, Sir!"
The meeting took place just a day ahead of The Diplomat’s theatrical release on March 14, which coincides with the Holi festival. Directed by Shivam Nair, the film sees Abraham portraying JP Singh, a courageous Indian diplomat navigating a high-stakes mission to repatriate a young Indian woman who was deceived and forced into marriage in Pakistan. The storyline draws inspiration from real-life events, aiming to shed light on the plight of Indian nationals who find themselves trapped in such situations abroad. Abraham is joined by an ensemble cast featuring Sadia Khateeb, Sharib Hashmi, Revathy, and Kumud Mishra — each playing key roles in the narrative’s emotional journey.
The movie marks a departure from Abraham’s usual high-octane action roles, with the actor embracing a more intense, politically charged persona. Abraham, known for his patriotic roles in films like Madras Cafe and Batla House, has described The Diplomat as one of his most significant projects yet. The film’s trailers have already sparked intrigue among audiences, with its gripping premise and Abraham’s transformation into a determined diplomat on a daring mission.
Beyond the film, Jaishankar and Abraham bonded over their shared passion for football — a sport Abraham has championed, particularly through his ownership of the NorthEast United FC team in the Indian Super League (ISL). They also discussed the Northeast, a region Abraham has frequently visited and supported in his personal and professional endeavors. The actor has been vocal about promoting the region’s rich culture, tourism potential, and sports talent, especially football.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Jaishankar has received a personalized jersey. Earlier this month, during his diplomatic visit to the United Kingdom, he was presented with a Tottenham Hotspur No. 1 jersey by UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, which also had his name emblazoned on the back — a gesture that blended diplomacy with a bit of sporty camaraderie.
Jaishankar, known for his calm and composed approach to global politics, has increasingly shown his lighter, more personable side in public appearances. His meeting with Abraham highlights how diplomacy and cultural dialogue continue to intersect, bridging the gap between political leaders and the entertainment industry — especially when a film like The Diplomat mirrors real-world diplomatic challenges.
With the film set to hit screens this Holi weekend, audiences are eager to see whether Abraham’s portrayal of a steadfast, strategic diplomat resonates as powerfully as his previous action-packed roles. Meanwhile, Jaishankar’s endorsement of the conversation adds an interesting layer of credibility and curiosity to the film’s anticipation.
