Who Is Vinay Mohan Kwatra, India’s Next Ambassador to the US?

July 20, 2024

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) chose Vinay Mohan Kwatra to be India’s new ambassador to the United States on July 19, 2024. He took over for Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who retired in January 2024. This news comes at a time when Kwatra is getting ready to start his new job. A well-known Indian Foreign Services officer from the 1988 group is Vinay Mohan Kwatra. He was India’s Foreign Secretary until July 2023. He had planned to leave in April but got an extra year to do so.

Diverse Experience

Kwatra has had a long and successful diplomatic career, playing important parts in many countries, including

China and the US: Took important views that helped their relationships with each other.
Envoy to France: Worked there from August 2017 to February 2020, making ties with Europe stronger.

The Indian Consulate worked in Durban, China, and Russia, which increased India’s international reach.

Academic Qualifications

Kwatra holds a postgraduate degree in science, an International Relations Diploma from the Graduate School of International Studies in Geneva, and is fluent in French, Russian, Hindi, and English.

Notable Positions

Permanent Mission in Geneva: Served as Third and Second Secretary until 1993.
Minister (Commerce) in Washington: Held office from May 2010 to July 2013.
Americas Division Head: Managed this division from July 2013 to October 2015 and subsequently led the policy planning and research division of the MEA.
Joint Secretary at PM’s Office: Served from 2015 to 2017.

About Vinay Mohan Kwatra

Vinay Mohan Kwatra is an Indian diplomat, currently serving as the Secretary (East) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs. He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1995. Kwatra has held key positions in various countries, including the USA, China, and Nepal. He was pivotal in managing relations during the 2015 Nepal earthquake. In 2021, he was appointed as the Ambassador to Nepal. Kwatra’s expertise includes strategic affairs, economic diplomacy, and bilateral relations. He emphasizes India’s Act East policy and regional connectivity.

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