Vijay Mohan Kwatra Takes Charge An Indian Ambassador To US

Former Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra assumed charge as the Ambassador of India to the United States on August 13. Kwatra succeeds India’s former envoy to the United States, BJP leader Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

Who is Vinay Mohan Kwatra?

Vinay Mohan Kwatra, (born 1962) is an Indian diplomat. He has served as the 34th Foreign Secretary of India, from May 2022 till 14 July 2024 and is the Ambassador of India to the United States starting from 13 August 2024. Previously, he has served as the Ambassador of India to France and Nepal.

About his Service

Kwatra has held various positions in many of India’s missions abroad and in India, bringing with him nearly 32 years of experience across a range of assignments. Kwatra has previously served at the Ministry of External Affairs and the Prime Minister’s Office as Joint Secretary. He also served as Minister (Commerce) at the Embassy of India in Washington, D.C., from May 2010 to July 2013. Between July 2013 and October 2015, Kwatra headed the Policy Planning & Research Division of the Ministry of External Affairs and later served as the head of the Americas Division in the Foreign Ministry, where he managed India’s relations with the United States and Canada.

Growing U.S.-India partnership

On August 12  the White House said that President Joe Biden views the United States’ relationship with India as one of the most consequential in the world, adding that both countries “work closely” on vital priorities. In a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pierre said that the U.S. works with India on key priorities, including the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue). She further emphasised how the U.S. wants to expand its “critically important partnership” with India, moving forward.