Arindam Bagchi Named India's Permanent Representative to UN in Geneva
- Posted on October 17, 2023
- International Affairs
- By Arijit Dutta
- 263 Views
Arindam Bagchi, who has served as the spokesman for the External Affairs Ministry (MEA) since March 2021, has been appointed as India's permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations with headquarters in Geneva. Bagchi, a seasoned Indian Foreign Service (IFS) employee from the 1995 batch, offers a lot of expertise to this new duty.
Arindam Bagchi, who has served as the spokesman for the
External Affairs Ministry (MEA) since March 2021, has been appointed as India's
permanent representative to the United Nations (UN) and other international
organizations with headquarters in Geneva. Bagchi, a seasoned Indian Foreign
Service (IFS) employee from the 1995 batch, offers a lot of expertise to this
new duty.
Bagchi's tenure as the MEA spokesperson was marked by his
adept handling of critical issues, including the India-China border dispute in eastern Ladakh, India's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and New Delhi's
leadership during the G20 presidency. His excellent communication skills and
strategic acumen have made him a natural fit for this prominent role.
Indra Mani Pandey, the current permanent representative,
will be replaced by him and is expected to return to New Delhi. Arindam Bagchi
(IFS: 1995), who is currently the Additional Secretary in the Ministry of
External Affairs, was named the incoming Ambassador/Permanent Representative of
India to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva,
according to the Ministry of External Affairs' announcement of the development.
Bagchi is expected to assume his new position in the near future, showcasing India's commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic ties with the UN and international bodies based in Geneva.
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The process to select the new MEA spokesperson is
underway, with four senior diplomats being considered for the position. Among
them are Nagaraj Naidu Kakanur, the Joint Secretary responsible for G20
affairs, and K Nandini Singla, who currently serves as India's High
Commissioner to Mauritius. This decision is eagerly awaited, as the MEA
spokesperson plays a crucial role in shaping India's external communication.
Arindam Bagchi's previous assignments have included
serving as India's ambassador to Croatia and Deputy High Commissioner to Sri
Lanka. He also held positions in the Prime Minister's Office as a director and
represented India at the UN in New York.
This appointment reaffirms India's commitment to
strengthening its diplomatic presence on the global stage, particularly in
international organizations like the UN, and is a testament to the trust placed
in Arindam Bagchi's capabilities.