V. K. Krishna Menon, Indian Diplomat, Defence Minister
Indian Diplomat, Defence Minister

V. K. Krishna Menon

Born 3 May 1896 · Kerala — Died 6 October 1974

Negotiated India's admission to the United Nations in 1946 as its first High Commissioner to the UK.

Vengalil Krishnan Krishna Menon was an Indian academic, independence activist, politician, lawyer, and statesman. Menon contributed to the Indian independence movement and India's foreign relations. He was among the major architects of Indian foreign policy, was India's first High Commissioner to United Kingdom and later India's Defence Minister.

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A detail that
surprised us

“

Menon's 1957 UN speech on Kashmir lasted 7 hours and 48 minutes, the longest ever delivered there, and ended only when he collapsed from exhaustion.

The Story

1
In 1928, V.K. Krishna Menon founded the India League in London, a bold move demanding India's total independence from British rule, marking the start of a relentless international campaign for freedom.
2
🌍 Serving as India's first High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from 1947 to 1952, Menon navigated post-independence diplomacy during turbulent times, including the transition of power with Lord Mountbatten.
3In 1957, Menon delivered the longest speech ever recorded at the United Nations Security Council, spanning nearly 8 hours over multiple days, defending India's position on Kashmir before collapsing from exhaustion.
4🛡️ As Defence Minister from 1957, he championed the creation of India's military-industrial complex, founding the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and establishing Sainik Schools to professionalize the armed forces.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1954
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

“

In 1928, Menon launched the India League in London to rally British public opinion for Indian independence, a critical platform he led for nearly two decades.

🖼️

Through the Years

3 photographs from the archives
V. K. Krishna Menon portrait photograph taken in October 1950.
V. K. Krishna Menon portrait photograph taken in October 1950.
1950
V. K. Krishna Menon with Jawaharlal Nehru at the United Nations in New York (1956).
V. K. Krishna Menon with Prince Norodom Sihanouk and Andrei Gromyako at the UN (1974).

🗓️ A Life in Moments

🕊️
Birth
Born in Thalassery, Kerala
Vengalil Krishnan Krishna Menon was born into an aristocratic family in Thiruvangad near Thalassery, Kerala, setting the stage for his future in law and politics.
1896
📚
Education
Graduated from Presidency College
Completed B.A. in History and Economics at Presidency College, Chennai, before pursuing law and political activism.
1918
⚡
Career
Founded India League in London
Established the India League to campaign for Indian independence among the British public and political circles.
1928
⚡
Career
Elected to St. Pancras Borough Council
Served as a Labour member in London, blending local politics with Indian nationalist activism.
1934
⚡
Career
Appointed India's High Commissioner to UK
Became the first High Commissioner to the United Kingdom after India's independence, representing the new nation during critical diplomatic negotiations.
1947
⚡
Career
Longest UN speech on Kashmir
Delivered an exhaustive defense of India's Kashmir policy at the UN Security Council, speaking for nearly 8 hours over multiple days before collapsing.
1957
⚡
Career
Became Defence Minister of India
Initiated the development of India's military-industrial complex, including founding DRDO and Sainik Schools.
1957
⚡
Career
Sino-Indian War challenges
Oversaw Indian Defence Ministry during the brief but intense conflict with China, which exposed military weaknesses.
1962
🕊️
Death
Death in New Delhi
Passed away while still serving as a member of the Lok Sabha, concluding a controversial and impactful political career.
1974
More moments to come...
+ Add a moment

🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 06
🔍LESSER KNOWN

Menon was a Labour member of the St. Pancras Borough Council from 1934 to 1947, engaging in British local politics while campaigning for Indian nationalism.

02 / 06
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

His nearly 8-hour speech at the UN Security Council in January 1957 remains the longest recorded debate speech, surpassing Fidel Castro's 1960 record by over five hours.

03 / 06
👤PERSONAL

Menon helped found Pelican Books in London, contributing to affordable access to knowledge during his years abroad.

“

"India’s stand on Kashmir has been consistent and unshakable, and it is a question of justice and right for the people of Kashmir."

— V. K. Krishna Menon

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
Meet The Press V. K. Krishna Menon, Indias Ambassador to the U. N. (September 20 1959)
·YouTube
More from this archive
Meet The Press V. K. Krishna Menon, Indias Ambassador to the U. N. (September 20 1959)
01
Meet The Press V. K. Krishna Menon, Indias Ambassador to the U. N. (September 20 1959)
YouTube
V. K. Krishna Menon
02
V. K. Krishna Menon
YouTube
Book Discussion on 'A Chequered Brilliance: The Many Lives of V.K. Krishna Menon' by Jairam Ramesh 2
03
Book Discussion on 'A Chequered Brilliance: The Many Lives of V.K. Krishna Menon' by Jairam Ramesh 2
YouTube
End of an Era: The India Club in London founded by Nehru's associate VK Krishna Menon, shuts down
04
End of an Era: The India Club in London founded by Nehru's associate VK Krishna Menon, shuts down
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Krishna Menon's push to build India's indigenous defence infrastructure led to the founding of institutions like DRDO and Sainik Schools, which remain pillars of India's military education and research. His diplomatic efforts at the United Nations helped position India as a leading voice of the Non-Aligned Movement, shaping its role in Cold War geopolitics. His speeches and policies continue to influence Indian defence and foreign policy discourse.

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