Vinay Mohan Kwatra Takes Charge as India's Ambassador to the US

Vinay Mohan Kwatra has assumed his role as India's Ambassador to the United States, succeeding Taranjit Singh Sandhu. The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum and other officials welcomed Kwatra, emphasizing the significance of the US-India relationship. President Joe Biden views this partnership as highly consequential.

Former Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra took charge as the Ambassador of India to the United States on Tuesday, succeeding Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

"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," Kwatra shared on platform X. Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy Ambassador at the Embassy of India in Washington DC, welcomed the new envoy, expressing excitement to work under his leadership.

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum greeted Kwatra warmly, wishing him a productive tenure and looking forward to elevating the bilateral partnership. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar bid farewell to Kwatra earlier, recognizing his deep contributions to India's foreign policy and national security over the past decade and applauding his strategic acumen.

Kwatra has an extensive background, including serving at the Ministry of External Affairs, the Prime Minister's Office, and as Minister (Commerce) at the Embassy of India in Washington D.C. from 2010 to 2013. With nearly 32 years of experience, Kwatra assumes his new role at a high point in US-India relations.

The White House also underscored the significance of this relationship. Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that President Joe Biden considers the US-India relationship one of the most consequential globally, with close cooperation on vital priorities including the QUAD and emerging technologies.

"The President views our relationship with India as critically important. We work closely on vital priorities, including the Quad and the US-India initiative on critical and emerging technologies," Jean-Pierre noted, highlighting ongoing efforts to further expand this crucial partnership.

(With inputs from agencies.)