Vinay Mohan Kwatra has been appointed as the Indian Ambassador to the United States, starting his new role on August 12, 2024. He takes over from Taranjit Singh Sandhu. This appointment is part of India’s plan to strengthen its relationship with the US further.

Background on Vinay Mohan Kwatra

Before this role, Kwatra was India’s Foreign Secretary, where he gained a lot of experience in international diplomacy. He also served as the Minister of Commerce at the Indian Embassy in Washington, DC, where he established important diplomatic connections. Kwatra’s appointment as Ambassador is important for enhancing the strategic partnership between India and the US.

Objectives as Ambassador

As the new Ambassador, Kwatra is expected to focus on improving diplomatic relations between India and the US, especially in areas like trade, security, and cultural exchange. His appointment emphasizes India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen ties with the US. With his strong background in foreign affairs, Kwatra will play a key role in managing and improving the relationship between the two countries.

Who is Vinay Mohan Kwatra?

Vinay Mohan Kwatra is a seasoned Indian Foreign Service officer who started his career in 1996. He has had a distinguished career, serving as India’s Ambassador to Nepal before becoming Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs. Kwatra has played a significant role in building India’s partnerships with countries like the USA and Japan. His expertise lies in international economics and diplomacy, and he has made notable contributions to India’s alliances in South Asia. Kwatra is also recognized for his work on climate change and sustainable development in international forums.

About the India-US Partnership

The partnership between India and the United States was established in 2005 and is built on strategic, economic, and military cooperation. India is a key defense partner for the US, which is one of its largest suppliers of military equipment. The two countries conduct several joint military exercises each year. In 2020, they signed the “Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement,” which improved their intelligence-sharing capabilities. Trade between India and the US surpassed $150 billion in 2022. They also work together on technology through the India-US Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies and collaborate on issues like climate change and public health, contributing to global stability.