Vinay Mohan Kwatra Appointed as India's Ambassador to the US

New Delhi: Vinay Mohan Kwatra has been appointed as the new Ambassador of India to the United States. The Ministry of External Affairs announced in a statement on July 19.

Kwatra was the 34th Foreign Secretary of India, taking over from Harsh Vardhan Shringla from May 2022 till July 14, 2024.

He is best known for his extensive expertise in dealing with India's neighbouring countries including China, the US and Europe.

A career diplomat with over 32 years of experience, Kwatra has also served as a Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) for two years, from October 2015 and August 2017.

Who is Vinay Mohan Kwatra?

Born on 15 December 1962, Vinay is a retired IFS Indian diplomat. Kwatra holds a degree of BSc in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry (Hons) from GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology and a Masters in Science (M Sc). Furthermore, he has also obtained a diploma in International Relations from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies.

Kwatra is married to Pooja Kwatra. The couple has two sons.

In his experience of 32 years, Vinay has also served as Minister (Commerce) at the Embassy of India in Washington DC from 2010 to 2013.

From July 2013 to October 2015, Vinay headed the 'Policy Planning & Research Division of MEA.' He also headed the Americas Division in the Foreign Ministry where he dealt with India's relations with the United States and Canada.