Veteran diplomat Dr. Virander Paul, India’s Ambassador to Turkey, passed away in Delhi on Friday following a lengthy illness.
Posting on X, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar referred to Dr. Paul’s passing as a ‘significant loss’ to the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). He wrote, “Have worked closely with him (Paul) in his many postings. Always admired his commitment and service and value his many contributions.”
Deeply grieved at the passing away of Virander Paul, our Ambassador in Türkiye.
A great loss to the Indian Foreign Service. Have worked closely with him in his many postings. Always admired his commitment and service and value his many contributions.
Deepest condolences to…
— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) June 21, 2024
The Indian embassy said it was ‘deeply saddened’ by the Ambassador’s ‘untimely demise.’
We are deeply saddened by the untimely demise of our Ambassador Dr. Virander Paul.
We offer our deepest condolences to his family members.
He will always be remembered fondly.
— India in Türkiye (@IndianEmbassyTR) June 21, 2024
Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), shared a post on its social media account saying, “We are deeply saddened at the untimely demise of Ambassador Virander Paul, India’s envoy to Türkiye. A dedicated officer, he will always be remembered for his exceptional human qualities and impactful professional contribution.”
We are deeply saddened at the untimely demise of Ambassador Virander Paul, India’s envoy to Türkiye.
A dedicated officer, he will always be remembered for his exceptional human qualities and impactful professional contribution.
Our heartfelt condolences to his family. Team…
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) June 21, 2024
Facts About Dr. Virander Paul
- He began his Indian Foreign Service career in 1991. Before Turkey, he served as High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador to Somalia, and Ambassador/Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-HABITAT.
- Dr. Virander Paul, India’s 27th envoy to Ankara, began his term in August 2022, succeeding Sanjay Panda. He held various positions during his distinguished 33-year diplomatic career.
- He held a medical degree from the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
- The late diplomat was fluent in as many as four languages: Punjabi, Hindi, English, and Russian.
- He is survived by his spouse Racheline, and the couple’s two daughters.
