New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday officially announced the appointment of Bandaru Wilsonbabu (IFS: 2004) as the next Ambassador of India to Turkmenistan.
Currently serving as India’s Ambassador to Madagascar, Mr Wilsonbabu is expected to assume his new diplomatic role shortly, according to the MEA statement.
From Madagascar to Turkmenistan: A Diplomatic Transition
IFS Wilsonbabu was appointed as the Ambassador to Madagascar in September 2022, following his previous role as Joint Secretary in the MEA’s Eurasia Division. He succeeded Ambassador Abhay Kumar in Madagascar, where he played a crucial role in fostering strong bilateral ties between India and the island nation.
During his tenure, relations between India and Madagascar flourished, with cooperation extending across diplomatic, economic, and cultural fronts.
Background & Work Experience
Mr Wilsonbabu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. He speaks Telugu, Hindi, English, and Russian. He is married and has three children.
- 2006-2007: Third Secretary, Embassy of India, Moscow (Russia).
- 2007-2010: Second Secretary, Embassy of India, Dushanbe (Tajikistan).
- 2010-2012: Under Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
- 2012-2014: First Secretary/ Director, Jawaharlal Nehru Cultural Centre, Embassy of India, Moscow (Russia).
- 2014-2016: Deputy Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
- 2016-2020: Counsellor, Embassy of India, Beijing (China) & Permanent Representative of India to the SCO Secretariat.
- 2020-2022: Director/Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
October 2022 – till date: Ambassador of India to Madagascar & Comoros.
Strengthening India-Madagascar Ties
Under Wilsonbabu’s leadership, Madagascar consistently backed India’s candidature at various international platforms. These included:
- Support for India’s non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC)
- Endorsement of India’s entry as an Observer at the Indian Ocean Commission
- Backing India’s proposal to become an Observer at the Djibouti Code of Conduct
These moves were seen as indicators of the growing trust and diplomatic synergy between the two nations.
Indian Diaspora: A Bridge Between Nations
The Indian diaspora in Madagascar, numbering around 17,500 persons of Indian origin (PIOs), including 2,500 Indian passport holders, played a pivotal role in enhancing bilateral relations. Most members of this community were engaged in trading, manufacturing, and business enterprises.
The first wave of Indian settlers in Madagascar dates back to 1880, primarily comprising Gujaratis. Their deep-rooted presence has not only contributed economically but has also served to preserve and promote Indian culture and traditional values in the region.
Remarkably, three of the four richest businessmen in Madagascar, according to African media sources, are of Indian origin – highlighting the substantial contribution of the diaspora to Madagascar’s GDP and economic development.
In addition to business, a number of Indian professionals have migrated in recent years, working across multinational companies and other sectors in Madagascar.
Looking Ahead: India-Turkmenistan Relations
With Wilsonbabu taking charge in Turkmenistan, India is expected to further its strategic interests in Central Asia. His prior experience handling Eurasian affairs positions him well to engage with Turkmenistan on matters of energy cooperation, regional security, and economic development.
As India deepens its outreach to Central Asian republics, this appointment comes at a critical time, with an aim to strengthen regional connectivity, particularly in light of initiatives like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and India-Central Asia summits.
