From Rajiv Gandhi to S. Jaishankar: Indian politicians who married foreigners

Love is a beautiful feeling and it has the power to transcend boundaries and cultures. In romantic relationships, it also teaches one to accept others as they are and in turn change oneself for them (if needed). So, here we list down some Indian politicians who married foreigners despite differences in their cultures and traditions. Read on to know more.

Photo: medha.jaishankar/ Instagram & Getty Images

Indian politician who served as the 6th Prime Minister of India, the late Rajiv Gandhi married Sonia Maino, an Italian, in 1968. While he was born in an illustrious political party in India, she was born and raised in a Roman Catholic family. It was in Cambridge, England where Rajiv met Sonia and it was love at first sight for them. The much-in-love couple married in 1968 and Sonia not only moved to India, but also accepted Indian culture and traditions to adjust to her new country. After Rajiv Gandhi's untimely death, Sonia picked up the leadership of his political party and continued to serve in his memory.

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Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah married Molly, a nurse of British origin, in 1968. The couple have four children together-- a son, Omar-- who is also a politician, and three daughters namely- Safia, Hinna, and Sara.

Photo credit: PTI

The External Affairs Minister of India and Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) from Gujarat State, S. Jaishankar is married to Kyoko, who is of Japanese origin. Diplomat-turned-politician, Jaishankar was earlier married to Shobha, whom he met at JNU. They were married till she passed away due to cancer. He later met Kyoko when he was working as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Tokyo between 1996 to 2000 and found love in her again. S. Jaishankar and Kyoko are married for over 25 years now and the couple have three children-- two sons, Dhruva and Arjun, and a daughter, Medha together.

Photo credit: medha.jaishankar/ Instagram

After two divorces, South superstar-turned-politician Pawan Kalyan found love and companionship again with Russian actress Anna Lezhneva. Both Pawan Kalyan and Anna Lezhneva were working together in the 2011 film 'Teen Maar', where they first met. At this time, Pawan was going through a difficult phase in his personal life due to his second divorce. Pawan and Anna's friendship soon blossomed over the next few months, and the duo got married in 2013. They have been together for over a decade now, and Anna has been his huge supporter in his political journey. Over the years, Anna too has adapted to the traditions and cultures of India.

Photo credit: ANI

Former diplomat-turned-Indian politician Shashi Tharoor was earlier married to Christa Giles-- a Canadian diplomat. Christa Giles was Shashi Tharoor's second wife and they were married from 2007 to 2010. Earlier, Shashi was married to Tilottama Mukherji but the couple "grew apart" over some time. After his second divorce with Christa, Tharoor went on to marry Sunanda Pushkar and they were married until 2014, when she passed away.

Photo credit: PTI