Former Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to the United States, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Kwatra will assume his new role shortly, filling the position that has been vacant since Taranjit Sandhu’s retirement in January 2024.
Career Overview
Kwatra, who served as the Foreign Secretary of India from May 1, 2022, to July 14, 2024, brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to his new role. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1988 and has held various significant positions throughout his career.
Key Diplomatic Roles
Early Career
Kwatra started his career in India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva and worked as a desk officer in Delhi handling UN matters.
Diplomatic Missions
He served in South Africa and Uzbekistan and was a key figure at the Indian Embassy in Beijing as counselor and deputy chief of mission.
SAARC and Commerce
Represented India at the SAARC Secretariat in Nepal and later served as Minister (Commerce) in Washington.
Policy and Planning
Headed the policy planning and research division and the Americas division in the Ministry of External Affairs.
Prime Minister’s Office
Worked as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office from October 2015 to August 2017.
Ambassadorships
Kwatra’s previous roles include serving as Ambassador to France (August 2017 – February 2020) and Nepal (March 2020 – April 2022). His extensive experience in dealing with major global regions, including the U.S., China, and Europe, underscores his suitability for this high-profile diplomatic assignment.