NEW DELHI (Diya TV) – India has appointed Vinay Kwatra as its new Ambassador to the United States, a position that has been vacant for over six months. The announcement comes at a time when New Delhi is navigating complex diplomatic issues with Washington, including tensions over India’s relations with Russia and recent U.S. statements on human rights in India.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, Kwatra, who retired as Foreign Secretary just last week, will begin his new role shortly. His primary tasks will include assessing the upcoming U.S. Presidential elections, engaging with the new administration, and preparing for a possible visit by President Biden for the Quad Summit, which India is set to host later this year.

Kwatra’s appointment marks a shift from the recent trend of assigning active Foreign Service officers to the role of U.S. Ambassador. Instead, New Delhi has opted for a retired diplomat, reflecting a strategic choice amid ongoing differences between the two nations. The speed of Kwatra’s appointment, from his retirement on July 15 to the approval by Washington in under a week, underscores the urgency both countries have placed on filling this key position.

During his career, Kwatra has held several significant roles, including serving as India’s Ambassador to France and handling key economic and trade issues within the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). His previous postings also include stints in China, the U.S., and Russia, as well as working in the Prime Minister’s Office.

The U.S. has expressed concerns over India’s ties with Russia and commented on recent criticisms from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with President Vladimir Putin. In response, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has emphasized its commitment to maintaining strategic autonomy and fostering a respectful partnership with the U.S., despite differing viewpoints.

The appointment of Kwatra comes at a critical time as both nations work to manage their diplomatic relations and address recent disagreements. Kwatra’s extensive diplomatic experience is expected to play a crucial role in smoothing over these differences and advancing India-U.S. relations in the coming years.

Kwatra, born on December 15, 1962, holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry and a Master of Science degree, along with a diploma in International Relations from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva. He has previously served as Minister (Commerce) at the Indian Embassy in Washington, showcasing his deep understanding of U.S. affairs.