Former Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Takes Charge As India's Ambassador To US To 'Strengthen Crucial Partnership'

Former Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra has taken charge of the ambassador of India to the United States (US) at a time when the two countries are going through some minor rifts due to issues like the Bangladesh crisis and Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

Prior to Kwatra, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) earlier this year, was India's ambassador to the US.

"Privileged to assume charge as the Ambassador of India to the United States of America. Team @IndianEmbassyUS will continue to work intensely to strengthen this crucial partnership," Kwatra said on X.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar bid farewell to Kwatra on 14 July as Vikram Misri took charge as the Foreign Secretary. He also served as Joint Secretary at the Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister's Office earlier.

Kwatra served as Minister (Commerce) at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC from May 2010 to July 2013. Following this, from July 2013 to October 2015, he led the Policy Planning and Research Division at the Ministry of External Affairs.

He later headed the Americas Division, where he oversaw India's relationships with the United States and Canada. With close to 32 years of experience, Kwatra has held numerous positions both within India and at Indian diplomatic missions worldwide.