India employs new ambassador to America
Date
7/22/2024 4:53:47 AM
(MENAFN) On Friday, India announced the appointment of Vinay Mohan Kwatra as its new ambassador to the United States. Kwatra, who has been serving as India’s foreign secretary since May 2022, brings extensive diplomatic experience to his new role. His career in the Indian Foreign Service began in 1988, with notable postings including the country’s permanent mission in Geneva, and previous ambassadorships in France and Nepal. Kwatra will succeed Taranjit Singh Sandhu, who served as ambassador to the US from February 2020 to January 2024.
The timing of Kwatra's appointment is significant as the United States seeks to enhance its strategic partnership with India amidst growing regional competition with China. Concurrently, Washington has expressed ongoing concerns about India's ties with Russia, a matter that has recently become a point of contention. This unease was highlighted by the Biden administration’s reaction to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow last week. Reports from Bloomberg and the Washington Post indicate that the United States attempted to persuade India to reschedule the visit to avoid overlap with a NATO summit in Washington. United States officials were reportedly dissatisfied with the timing and the diplomatic implications of Modi’s Moscow trip.
Further exacerbating tensions, United States Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti criticized India’s stance on Russia, suggesting that strategic autonomy in times of conflict is untenable. His remarks at a recent summit reflected dissatisfaction with New Delhi’s continued engagement with Moscow. In contrast, United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan visited India last month shortly after Modi’s re-election for a third term, underscoring the complexity of the bilateral relationship.
Kwatra’s new role will be pivotal in navigating these delicate issues as India continues to balance its strategic interests amidst shifting global dynamics.
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