Vinay Mohan Kwatra, a seasoned diplomat with a distinguished career spanning over three decades, has been named the new Ambassador of India to the United States. He is set to assume his new role shortly, furthering India’s strategic and diplomatic relations with the U.S.
Kwatra, born in 1962, is a retired Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer. His tenure as the 34th Foreign Secretary of India, from May 2022 to July 14, 2024, was marked by significant diplomatic engagements and policy advancements. He succeeded Harsh Vardhan Shringla in this prestigious position.
Kwatra’s diplomatic career is highlighted by his previous ambassadorial roles in France and Nepal, where he significantly strengthened India’s bilateral relations. His extensive experience includes key positions within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Prime Minister’s Office, where he served as Joint Secretary.
From May 2010 to July 2013, Kwatra was Minister (Commerce) at the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., a period during which he contributed to bolstering India-U.S. trade relations. Following this, he led the Policy Planning & Research Division of the MEA until October 2015 and later headed the Americas Division, managing India’s relations with the United States and Canada.
Throughout his illustrious career, Vinay Mohan Kwatra has held various important positions in India’s missions both abroad and domestically. His 32 years of extensive diplomatic experience, characterized by strategic policymaking and international negotiations, positions him well to navigate the complexities of India-U.S. relations.
Kwatra’s appointment as the next Ambassador to the U.S. comes at a crucial time, as both nations seek to deepen their strategic partnership across multiple domains, including defense, trade, technology, and global security. His expertise and leadership are expected to play a pivotal role in furthering these objectives.