Vinay Mohan Kwatra, who recently retired as India’s Foreign Secretary, might become the next Indian envoy to US. The move aims to strengthen ties with Washington as US heads for pivotal elections this year.
Vikram Misri, the former deputy National Security Advisor, has taken over the post of Foreign Secretary. Meanwhile, Kwatra had assumed office as the foreign secretary on May 1, 2022.
What will Kwatra bring to the table?
According to a report by Bloomberg that quoted sources familiar with the developments, Kwatra, a long-time diplomat, will look to bring certainty and continuity to India-US relations as the country might witness a change in administration after the presidential elections in November.
The former Indian ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, served the post till January 31, 2024.
The sources said that Kwatra’s immediate priority would be to hold meetings with officials responsible for handling India-related policies in the next administration.
Kwatra has previously served as the Indian envoy to France and has also worked in the US and China under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
While the Ministry of External Affairs has not put out a statement on the development yet, the officials said that an official announcement will be made once formalities in the US are completed.
India-US ties
Under PM Modi, India-US relations have deepened with New Delhi viewing Washington as a strategic ally in countering a more assertive China.
At the same time, however, India has adhered to its longstanding foreign policy of maintaining autonomy from aligning closely with any major power. For instance, despite Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, India has continued its traditional relationship with Moscow, as evidenced by Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to the Russian capital.
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Vinay Kwatra to be next Indian envoy to US? Formal announcement by MEA soon: Report
