On September 10, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India announced the appointment of R Ravindra as the next Ambassador of India to Iceland. Ravindra, an esteemed Indian Foreign Service officer from the 1999 batch, is currently serving as India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
In a press release, the MEA confirmed the appointment: “Shri R. Ravindra (IFS:1999), presently Deputy Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations at New York, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Iceland.” The release further stated that Ravindra is expected to assume his new role shortly.
Ravindra’s career in the Indian Foreign Service has been marked by significant roles and responsibilities across various countries and positions:
- Current Role: Since September 2020, Ravindra has served as India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York.
- Previous Role: Before his UN assignment, he was Joint Secretary (Central and West Africa) in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.
- Earlier Assignments: Ravindra’s career includes stints at the Indian Embassy in Cairo (2001-2003) and in Tripoli, Libya (2003-2007). He also served as Regional Passport Officer in Bengaluru (2007-2010).
- Further Experience: His previous roles also include service at India’s Permanent Mission to the UN in New York (2010-2013) and at the Indian Embassy in Colombo (2013-2016). Additionally, he was India’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, with concurrent accreditation to Liberia and Guinea (2016-2018).
Ravindra’s extensive experience in diplomacy, including his recent tenure at the United Nations and various international postings, positions him well to represent India’s interests in Iceland. His background reflects a broad understanding of international relations and a deep commitment to India’s foreign policy objectives.
The appointment underscores India’s continued engagement with global affairs and its focus on strengthening diplomatic relations with countries across different regions. Iceland, known for its unique geopolitical position and environmental focus, will benefit from Ravindra’s expertise and diplomatic acumen.
As R Ravindra prepares to take on his new role as India’s Ambassador to Iceland, his impressive career trajectory highlights his readiness for this significant diplomatic assignment. His upcoming tenure is anticipated to further bolster the ties between India and Iceland, enhancing cooperation and understanding between the two nations.
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