As India marks the 50th anniversary of V K Krishna Menon’s passing, it is a fitting moment to remember a man whose brilliance shaped the nation’s global diplomacy

Fifty years since Vengalil Krishnan Krishna Menon’s passing, the significance of his contributions to Indian diplomacy and global politics remains evident. Hailed as one of India’s most brilliant yet controversial statesmen, Menon’s legacy is inextricably linked with the evolution of the country’s foreign policy. Born in Kozhikode, Kerala, his journey from a young boy in South India to a pivotal figure on the world stage was marked by intellectual rigor, steadfastness, and an unyielding commitment to India’s sovereignty and values. When he passed away on October 6, 1974, then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi described his departure as “a volcano has been extinguished,” aptly capturing the intensity he brought to every role he undertook. His contributions, despite the passage of time, continue to influence India’s diplomatic posture.

Menon’s early life in Kerala and subsequent education in the United Kingdom set the stage for his distinguished career. His association with Jawaharlal Nehru, whom he befriended while in London, was instrumental in shaping his path. Quickly emerging as a prominent voice in the Indian independence movement abroad, Menon’s articulate speeches and sharp intellect earned him recognition. During his time in the UK, he co-founded Penguin Books, which revolutionised the publishing industry by making literature affordable and accessible. However, his foray into publishing was merely the precursor to his true calling: crafting India’s foreign policy.

It was Menon who proposed the term “Non-Aligned Movement” (NAM), a cornerstone of India’s Cold War-era diplomatic stance. He championed neutrality, ensuring that India, as a newly independent nation, did not align itself with either the United States or the Soviet Union. For Menon, non-alignment was more than just a diplomatic position; it was an assertion of India’s sovereignty and self-respect. He fiercely defended this stance on various international platforms, particularly at the United Nations, where his eloquence and conviction made him a formidable figure.

As India’s representative at the UN, Menon achieved global recognition, notably delivering the longest speech in the forum’s history—a marathon eight-hour defence of India’s position on Kashmir during the 1957 General Assembly. His unwavering defence of India’s claim to Kashmir earned him the title “Hero of Kashmir.” Yet, his confrontational style also attracted criticism, especially from Western media, which often portrayed him as the “Indian Rasputin,” suggesting he exerted undue influence over Nehru’s policies.

Menon’s relationship with Nehru was undoubtedly significant, with the Prime Minister recognising his brilliance and appointing him to government roles, first as a minister without portfolio and later, in 1957, as Defence Minister. Together, they steered India’s post-independence strategies in both foreign relations and defence. The 1962 Sino-Indian War marked a turning point for Menon. As Defence Minister, he was widely blamed for India’s crushing defeat by China, with critics accusing him of failing to adequately prepare the military. Western media, particularly ‘Time’ magazine, infamously depicted him on its cover as a “snake charmer,” manipulating Nehru into a disastrous conflict. While Menon’s detractors held him largely responsible for the debacle, such an assessment does not acknowledge his broader contributions to defence and foreign policy. Menon was a proponent of self-reliance in defense, laying the groundwork for indigenising military production—a policy India pursues to this day. Furthermore, his role in the Goa Liberation movement of 1961, which ended Portuguese colonial rule, reinforced his image as a dedicated patriot.

Despite the setback after the Sino-Indian War, Menon’s career was not over. In 1971, supported by the left-leaning EMS Namboodiripad, Menon made a comeback to Parliament, representing Thiruvananthapuram. His return was a testament to the enduring respect he commanded among certain segments of Indian society. Even in his later years, Menon remained a formidable presence in politics, unafraid to challenge prevailing norms.

Menon’s personal life remained relatively private, though his wit and often abrasive style earned him both admirers and detractors. He was viewed by contemporaries such as Bertrand Russell as a man of profound intellect and integrity. Yet, his sharp tongue and uncompromising nature also alienated many, leading to well-publicised rivalries, including with fellow Malayali diplomats like VP Menon and KPS Menon. These tensions added an element of intrigue to his already controversial career.

Reflecting on the 50th anniversary of Menon’s passing invites a reevaluation of his towering legacy. His contributions to Indian foreign policy, particularly his advocacy for non-alignment and his defense of India’s stance on Kashmir, remain integral to the country’s diplomatic strategies. The fact that his UN speech still holds the record as the longest ever delivered underscores his place in the annals of global diplomacy.

Menon’s influence extended beyond India’s borders; his advocacy for global disarmament and his warning, “Either man will abolish war, or war will abolish man,” still resonates in international forums. At a time when diplomacy often takes place behind closed doors, Menon’s readiness to speak truth to power, regardless of personal cost, set him apart. His passing marked the end of an era, but his ideas—particularly his fierce commitment to Indian sovereignty and global justice—continue to shape the country’s foreign policy.  The “volcano” that Indira Gandhi referred to still casts a long shadow over Indian diplomacy—a shadow that endures.

(The writer is an associate professor; views are personal)