His older brother Henry Stokes was also a prominent member of the Indian civil service.

In India, he served as a member of the executive council of the Governor of Madras from 1896 to 1906 and from 1906 to 1907.

Gabriel Stokes acted as the Governor of Madras from 15 February 1906 to 28 March 1906.

During his tenure, the Asian Petroleum Company began its work in Madras.

[citation needed] He was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Star of India (CSI) in the 1903 Durbar Honours,[1][2] and in the 1909 New Year Honours, Stokes was made a Knight Commander of the same order (KCSI) for his services to the Crown.