Venkat sensed that a political counsellor’s job in Kabul would be hugely exciting. He knew that India was making big moves in Afghanistan and it would be an unmatched experience being a part of this new diplomatic adventure.

When I first met Venkat in Kathmandu about six years ago and later in Washington on various reporting assignments, there was no way one could miss either his self-assurance or his capacity to relentlessly pursue his diplomatic tasks.

The idea that the Indian Foreign Service was a soft career — “ninety per cent alcohol and ten per cent protocol” — is a recent impression. The roots of the service go back to the late 18th century, when political agents from Calcutta boldly played the Great Game, pushing India’s interests all around its periphery.

Venkat’s death in Kabul reminds us of Sir Alexander Burnes, nicknamed ‘Bukhara Burnes’, for his exploration of the great city, now in Uzbekistan. During the First Afghan War of 1839-42, Burnes was India’s political agent in Kabul until his assassination in 1841.

Courage is defined as grace under pressure. Burnes is remembered for his cool handling of the disastrous situation in Kabul. Colleagues who worked with Venkat in Kabul recall his total devotion to his job. They speak of the long hours Venkat spent on learning Dari, so that he could be more effective.

Barely a day before his death, Venkat was in New Delhi, telling his friends in South Block about his plans to ask for an extension of his Kabul tour. Venkat was about to complete his two-year tenure in Kabul shortly.

... contd.