India’s former Foreign Secretary, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, assumed charge as the Ambassador of India to the United States. He arrived in the U.S. capital on August 12.
Kwatra, 61, succeeds India’s former envoy to the United States, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who retired in January.
“Privileged to assume charge as the Ambassador of India to the United States of America. Team @IndianEmbassyU.S. will continue to work intensely to strengthen this crucial partnership,” Kwatra said in a post on X.
Vinay Mohan Kwatra previously served at the Ministry of External Affairs, and Prime Minister’s Office as Joint Secretary.
He has also served as Minister (Commerce) at the Embassy of India in Washington D.C. from May 2010 to July 2013. Between July 2013 and October 2015, he headed the Policy Planning & Research Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and later served as the head of the Americas Division in the Foreign Ministry where he dealt with India’s relations with the United States and Canada.
Kwatra has experience in dealing with UN organizations such as the International Labor Organization, and the World Health Organization.
He has served in different positions in many of India’s missions abroad and in India. He holds an experience of nearly 32 years in a range of assignments. He has also held positions as India’s Ambassador to France and Nepal, before his tenure as Foreign Secretary. He retired from the foreign service on July 14, 2024.
Vinay Mohan Kwatra has assumed charge as India’s ambassador to the USA at a time when the country is gearing up for the crucial Presidential poll. He is expected to present his credentials to President Joe Biden shortly.
