Vinay Mohan Kwatra, India’s former Foreign Secretary, has taken charge as the country’s new Ambassador to the United States on Tuesday. He succeeds Taranjit Singh Sandhu, India’s previous envoy to the US and a leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Kwatra expressed his commitment to strengthening the US-India partnership in a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “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.”
Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of India in Washington DC, welcomed Kwatra to his new role. “Delighted to welcome Ambassador Vinay Mohan Kwatra as the new Ambassador of India to the United States of America. All of us @IndiainUSA are excited to work under his leadership!” she stated on X.
The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) also extended its welcome to Kwatra, expressing its anticipation for a successful and productive tenure. “USISPF warmly welcomes @AmbVMKwatra as he begins his tenure as the Indian Ambassador to the U.S. We wish him a successful and productive tenure and look forward to working closely with him and @IndianEmbassyUS to elevate the US-India partnership,” the USISPF tweeted.
Kwatra brings a wealth of experience to this role. He has served in various capacities within the Ministry of External Affairs, including Joint Secretary and heading the Policy Planning & Research Division. He also held the position of Minister (Commerce) at the Embassy of India in Washington D.C. from 2010 to 2013. Notably, Kwatra served as the head of the Americas Division, managing India’s relations with both the United States and Canada.
India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, praised Kwatra’s contributions to India’s foreign policy and national security, commending his strategic expertise in shaping and implementing critical policies.
Kwatra’s appointment comes at a time when US-India relations are at a peak. The White House recently emphasized the significance of this partnership, with President Joe Biden describing it as “one of the most consequential in the world.” The White House Press Secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, highlighted the close collaboration between the two nations on crucial priorities, including the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QUAD), and expressed a desire to further expand this partnership.
Kwatra’s extensive experience and the positive trajectory of US-India relations set the stage for a productive tenure as India’s Ambassador to the United States.
