Ranjan Mathai Appointed as India's High Commissioner to United Kingdom

Former Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai on 30 September 2013 was appointed as India's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. He will succeed noted economist and veteran diplomat Dr Jaimini Bhagwati. However, he will take up the charge of the office later.

About Ranjan Mathai

Ranjan Mathai joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1974 and has served in Indian embassies in Vienna, Colombo, Washington, Tehran and Brussels.

As Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi from January 1995 to February 1998, he headed the division dealing with India's relations with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Maldives.

Ranjan Mathai played a critical role in the Indo-Bangla Ganges Water Sharing accord during Sheikh Hasina's first stint as the Prime Minister.

He also served as Indian Ambassador to Israel from February 1998 to June 2001 and was the Indian Ambassador in Qatar from August 2001 to July 2005.

He held the post of Deputy High Commissioner of India to the UK in London from August 2005 to January 2007.

Ranjan Mathai served as Foreign Secretary for a period of two years and handed over the charge to his successor Sujatha Singh in July 2013.