Sushma Swaraj admitted in AIIMS for kidney failure; speculation rife about a stand-in minister

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj is unwell. On Wednesday, Swaraj tweeted that she is hospitalised because of kidney failure and is undergoing tests for a kidney transplant. This has led to speculation within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) that Prime Minister Narendra Modi might look for her successor.

Swaraj tweeted: "I am in AIIMS because of kidney failure. Presently, I am on dialysis. I am undergoing tests for a Kidney transplant. Lord Krishna will bless. Friends, this is to update you on my health."

The job of an External Affairs Minister involves hectic travelling. Swaraj, ever since having taken over at South Block in June 2014, has followed a punishing schedule. Swaraj, in seven months of 2014, visited 15 countries.

She visited neighbouring countries and ASEAN member countries as part of the PM's vision to strengthen ties with India's neighbours and his 'Act East Policy'.

She visited 15 countries in 2015. Swaraj started keeping unwell in the last few months and could only visit eight countries this year. Currently, Minister of State MJ Akbar has been shouldering much of the burden of overseas visits.

On December 3 and 4, India will be hosting the sixth Heart of Asia Ministerial Conference. It will be held in Amritsar. Swaraj had travelled to Islamabad in December 2015 to attend the previous edition of the conference. The meeting had also led to revival of India-Pakistan comprehensive dialogue.

It remains to be seen if there would be a new External Affairs Minister before the Heart of Asia conference, or Akbar will stand in for Swaraj. But the ministry will soon need a full-fledged Cabinet minister, even for the duration that Swaraj gets treated.

It remains to be seen whether the PM would ask one of his current ministers to take care of the External Affairs portfolio, and who that minister might be.