S. Jaishankar Reveals Father Was on IC-814 During Hijack

During a community event in Geneva on Friday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar shared a personal and poignant account of his father’s involvement in a 1984 hijacking incident. The revelation came as Mr. Jaishankar was addressing questions about the recently released Netflix series, IC-814: The Kandahar Hijack, which dramatizes the 1999 hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814.

Mr. Jaishankar recounted that as a young Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer in 1984, he was actively involved in managing the crisis from the government’s side. He recalled the tension of the situation when he had to inform his mother that he couldn't come home due to the hijacking, a duty that coincided with his turn to care for his young son while his wife was also working.

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To his shock, he later discovered that his own father was aboard the hijacked flight. The Indian Airlines flight, which was en route from Pathankot, was diverted to Dubai. After enduring more than 36 hours of intense negotiations and standoff, the 12 pro-Khalistani hijackers eventually surrendered to authorities. All 68 passengers and six crew members were released unharmed.

Reflecting on his dual perspective during the crisis, Mr. Jaishankar described how he was simultaneously part of the team handling the hijacking and a family member advocating for the government’s intervention. This unique position allowed him to view the incident from both the official and personal angles, a rare vantage point that provided him with invaluable insights into the complexities of such high-stakes situations.

In his comments, Mr. Jaishankar addressed the portrayal of government and bureaucratic handling in the media, particularly in films and series. He noted that dramatizations often paint the government in a negative light to enhance the appeal of the narrative, which can overshadow the real-life complexities and challenges faced during such crises. His remarks were met with laughter from the audience, as he humorously acknowledged the entertainment industry's tendency to focus on heroes rather than the intricacies of bureaucratic responses.

The 1984 hijacking incident remains a significant event in Indian aviation history, and Mr. Jaishankar's candid reflection offers a rare glimpse into the personal and professional impact of such high-pressure situations.