August 10, 2025

Anand Sharma, the seasoned Congress leader, shook things up on Sunday by resigning as the chairman of the party's foreign affairs department. After leading the department for almost a decade, Sharma wants to clear the path for younger leaders to shine and keep the department thriving. In a thoughtful resignation letter to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Sharma said, "As I have conveyed earlier both to CP and Chairperson CPP, in my considered view, the committee needs to be reconstituted to bring in younger leaders of potential and promise. That will ensure continuity in its functioning." Grateful for the trust placed in him, Sharma is stepping down to help the department breathe new life. He remains a member of the Congress and continues to be a vital part of its journey. Sharma’s legacy is nothing short of impressive. As a member of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), the party’s highest decision-making body, he has been the face of Congress in international affairs for nearly 40 years. He played a key role in major moments like the Indo-US nuclear deal negotiations, securing India-specific waivers at the Nuclear Suppliers Group, and setting up the India-Africa partnership with the first-ever India-Africa summit. His diplomatic prowess was also visible when he represented India globally after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks and participated in all-party delegations post Operation Sindoor. During his time as commerce minister, Sharma was behind signing India’s first-ever WTO Agreement and other landmark trade deals. In his letter, Sharma highlighted how the foreign affairs department has built strong ties with political parties across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. The department established a special system for leader exchanges and international cooperation. Sharing memories from his long career, Sharma mentioned his proactive role since the mid-1980s, including organizing the NAM Youth Conference in 1985 and the memorable Anti-Apartheid Conference in 1987, both celebrated worldwide. He also recalled the successful Satyagraha Centenary Conference in 2007 and the international meet on Jawaharlal Nehru’s 125th birth anniversary in 2014. These grand events, chaired by then Congress president Sonia Gandhi, earned global applause. With Sharma’s exit, the Congress is gearing up to refresh its foreign affairs leadership. Can the young guns live up to Sharma’s towering legacy? One thing’s for sure – change is in the air, and fresh faces are ready to take the stage!

Read More at Economictimes →

Tags: Anand sharma, Congress party, Foreign affairs, Resignation, Indian politics, Young leadership,