India and Pakistan may have agreed to a ceasefire following the recent escalation between the two neighboring countries after India’s Operation Sindoor. On one front, the Indian Army struck terrorist camps and delivered a strong response by devastating a Pakistani airbase when Pakistan attempted to retaliate.
Meanwhile, on the diplomatic front, Indian ambassadors across the world were actively countering Pakistan’s narrative. They effectively dismantled Pakistani propaganda and exposed its involvement in terror funding on international platforms.
India’s ambassadors to the UK, the US, and the Russian Federation – IFS (Indian Foreign Service) officers Vikram Doraiswami, Vinay Kwatra, and Vinay Kumar – played a crucial role. They not only held Pakistan accountable by presenting facts to the global community but also powerfully articulated India’s stance, strengthening the country’s position on the world stage. Indian Masterminds brings you their profiles and diplomatic journeys, highlighting the seasoned expertise behind India’s global narrative offensive.
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IFS Vikram K. Doraiswami
Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, an IFS officer of 1992 batch, strongly rejected Pakistan’s claims in the aftermath of India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’.
Addressing the media, Doraiswami remarked, “They (Pakistan) are retaliating against attacks on terrorism infrastructure… What does that tell you about their relationship with these terror groups?” His statement underscored the implication of Pakistan’s reaction as a tacit acknowledgment of ties with terrorist elements.
He also dismissed Pakistan’s assertion that it had shot down Indian aircraft using Chinese-made fighter jets. “If it satisfies Pakistan’s ego to say that they’ve done something, they could have used that as an off-ramp to move on. Clearly, they’ve chosen not to, and instead have escalated the matter,” he stated.
Responding to Islamabad’s threats of further action, Doraiswami affirmed, “We will respond proportionally and in exactly the same light.”
Veteran diplomat brings decades of experience, global expertise, and a passion for languages and culture to his current role as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom
A Career Rooted in Service and Scholarship: Mr Doraiswami, a seasoned diplomat with over three decades of experience, currently serves as the High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, a post he assumed on 23 September 2022. His journey in diplomacy began after joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1992, following a brief stint as a journalist and earning a Master’s degree in History from the University of Delhi.
Early Postings and Language Proficiency: After completing his in-service training in New Delhi (1992–1993), Mr Doraiswami began his international diplomatic journey in May 1994 as Third Secretary at the High Commission of India in Hong Kong. There, he also pursued an elective diploma in Chinese at the New Asia Yale-in-Asia Language School of the Chinese University of Hong Kong – an early demonstration of his linguistic acumen. In 1996, he was posted to the Embassy of India in Beijing, serving for nearly four years.
Key Roles in the Ministry of External Affairs: Upon his return to India in 2000, Mr. Doraiswami was appointed Deputy Chief of Protocol (Ceremonials) in the Ministry of External Affairs. He soon transitioned to a role in the Prime Minister’s Office, where he served as Private Secretary to the Prime Minister of India – an indication of the high level of trust placed in his capabilities.
His subsequent international assignments included serving as Political Counsellor at India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York (2006) and as Consul General in Johannesburg, South Africa (2009).
Leadership on Multilateral and Bilateral Fronts: Back in New Delhi in July 2011, Mr Doraiswami led the SAARC Division at the MEA and played a pivotal role as Coordinator of the Fourth BRICS Summit hosted in New Delhi in March 2012. From 2012 to 2014, he was Joint Secretary of the Americas Division, further enhancing India’s diplomatic engagement with the Western Hemisphere.
He then served as India’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan (2014–2015) and South Korea (2015–2018). On his return to the MEA in 2018, he led divisions focused on Bangladesh, Myanmar, and later the Indo-Pacific—a new strategic division he helped establish in 2019. Following a promotion to Additional Secretary in December 2019, he oversaw International Organizations and Summits.
A Distinguished Posting in Bangladesh: From October 2020 to September 2022, Mr. Doraiswami served as the High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh. His tenure was marked by significant diplomatic engagement, strengthening the bilateral relationship in areas ranging from trade to cultural exchange.
Personal Passions and Family Life: Beyond his professional achievements, Mr. Doraiswami is known for his diverse personal interests. He is an avid reader and a devoted admirer of author P.G. Wodehouse. His other hobbies include sports, fitness, travel, history, and jazz music. Multilingual, he speaks Chinese, French, and some Korean. His wife, Sangeeta, is an educator, and the couple has a 23-year-old son.
A diplomat with depth, range, and cultural sensitivity, Mr. Doraiswami continues to play a vital role in shaping India’s global relationships, with his current mission in the United Kingdom being a testament to a career defined by excellence and commitment.
IFS Vinay Mohan Kwatra
India’s Ambassador to the US, 1988 batch IFS officer Vinay Kwatra, addressed media houses with a strong defense of Operation Sindoor, describing it as a direct and necessary response to the terror attack in Pahalgam.
“We are at war with the terrorists,” Kwatra declared, adding, “and we will bring justice to the victims and hold the perpetrators accountable.” He made it clear that the military strikes were carefully calibrated, deliberately avoiding civilian, military, and economic targets, with the sole objective of dismantling terrorist infrastructure.
He further stated, “Our foremost objective was to hold these lowlifes – subhuman monsters – accountable and bring justice to the victims.”
Reiterating India’s long-standing position, Ambassador Kwatra affirmed, “The entire Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. The only issue to be resolved is the return of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.”
Mr Kwatra’s calm yet firm statements earned widespread praise on social media, where many lauded his diplomatic composure and resolute messaging during a time of heightened tension.
With fluency in diplomacy and languages, Mr. Kwatra brings over 32 years of strategic experience to India’s foreign service
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Early Life and Academic Background: Born in 1965, Mr. Vinay Mohan Kwatra has built a distinguished diplomatic career grounded in solid academic and professional foundations. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Agriculture and Animal Husbandry, and a Master of Science (M.Sc.). His linguistic fluency in English, Hindi, and French has been a valuable asset throughout his postings.
His early diplomatic training included a Diploma in International Relations from the Graduate School of International Studies in Geneva, where he also mastered the French language during his tenure at the Indian Mission.
Launching a Career in Multilateral Diplomacy: Mr. Kwatra joined the Indian Foreign Service and began his career at the Permanent Mission of India to Geneva, where he served as Third Secretary and later Second Secretary until 1993. During this time, he worked on issues related to the United Nations Human Rights Commission and other specialized UN agencies.
Following his Geneva tenure, he spent a decade (1993–2003) working on United Nations-related assignments as a desk officer and also held diplomatic positions in South Africa and Uzbekistan.
Strategic Roles Across Continents: From 2003 to 2006, Mr. Kwatra served as Counsellor and subsequently as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Beijing. He went on to represent India at the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, Nepal (2006–2010), where he headed the Trade, Economy, and Finance Bureau – focusing on regional economic cooperation.
His role as Minister (Commerce) at the Indian Embassy in Washington D.C. from 2010 to 2013 further reinforced his experience in economic diplomacy.
Policy Leadership in New Delhi: Returning to India in 2013, Mr. Kwatra served as Head of the Policy Planning & Research Division of the Ministry of External Affairs. Between 2015 and 2017, he played a pivotal role as Joint Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). During this crucial period, he was a key figure in advancing the government’s Neighbourhood First policy, working to enhance ties with India’s regional neighbours.
He subsequently led the Americas Division at the Ministry of External Affairs, managing India’s bilateral relationships with the United States and Canada.
Ambassadorial Roles in Europe and South Asia: In August 2017, Mr. Kwatra was appointed as India’s Ambassador to France, serving until February 2020. His leadership helped elevate the India-France strategic partnership across sectors including defense, energy, and technology.
From March 2020, he took on the role of India’s Ambassador to Nepal, a significant posting in South Asia, where he worked to strengthen cross-border ties and development cooperation until his recent reassignment.
A Legacy of Service and Strategic Diplomacy: Mr. Kwatra’s career spans over 32 years across key diplomatic outposts and policy-making centers. From Geneva to Washington, from Beijing to Kathmandu, and from Paris to the Prime Minister’s Office in New Delhi, his contributions have shaped India’s foreign policy across continents and complex geopolitical landscapes.
With a commitment to diplomacy and regional cooperation, Mr. Vinay Mohan Kwatra remains one of India’s most experienced and strategic voices on the global stage.
IFS Vinay Kumar
Dispelling all speculation about U.S. President Donald Trump’s involvement in mediating the ceasefire, Indian Ambassador to Russia, 1992 batch IFS officer Vinay Kumar clarified that the initiative for peace came from Pakistan.
Speaking on the aftermath of four days of intense cross-border conflict, Kumar emphasized that India’s zero tolerance for terrorism and its strong retaliatory capability were key factors that led to the de-escalation between the two South Asian neighbors.
“We responded to the terror attack, and Pakistan – rather than understanding the gravity of the situation – chose to escalate,” Kumar stated. He added that India effectively countered “every” attempt by Pakistan to escalate the conflict.
“Finally, on May 10, they realized they were heading down the wrong path. Their Director General of Military Operations called and offered a ceasefire, which we accepted,” the ambassador said.
The escalation followed a terrorist attack in April in the Indian Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which India attributed to Pakistan-based groups. The attack drew widespread condemnation from the international community and set the stage for the military standoff that ensued.
Mr. Vinay Kumar, a seasoned IFS officer, was appointed as the Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation in March 2024. With decades of diplomatic experience, Mr. Kumar assumed office at a pivotal moment, as global geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve. His appointment comes at a time when India is looking to strengthen its strategic partnership with Russia across key areas such as defense, energy, and multilateral cooperation.
A Diplomatic Career Spanning Critical Geographies: Mr. Kumar brings with him a wealth of experience in key diplomatic roles. Prior to this assignment, he has been serving as India’s Ambassador to Myanmar since late 2021. His tenure there has involved navigating a complex political landscape while advancing India’s strategic and developmental objectives.
From 2018 to 2020, he also held the important post of Ambassador to Afghanistan, overseeing India’s engagement with the country during a particularly volatile period.
Educational Excellence and Multilateral Experience: An alumnus of IIT-Kharagpur, Mr. Kumar’s academic credentials are matched by his versatile diplomatic portfolio. He has previously served in India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, and as Joint Secretary (South) in the MEA, where he handled relations with key countries in the Global South.
Strengthening Ties with a Strategic Partner: Mr. Kumar’s posting to Moscow, one of India’s most strategically significant diplomatic assignments, comes at a delicate juncture. India and Russia share a long-standing and multifaceted relationship rooted in defense, energy, space cooperation, and mutual geopolitical understanding.
His role is steering bilateral relations at a time of shifting global alliances, regional security challenges, and evolving economic cooperation. Moscow continues to be among the top diplomatic postings for India, alongside capitals like Washington, London, Tokyo, and Canberra.
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