New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed Abhishek Singh (IFS: 2003), currently serving as India’s High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as the Permanent Representative of India to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). He will continue to be based in Abuja while assuming his new responsibilities, according to an official statement.
The MEA said, “ Abhishek Singh has been given additional charge as India’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS. He is expected to assume the new responsibility soon.”
Diplomatic Career and Experience
Abhishek Singh brings over two decades of experience in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy:
- High Commissioner of India to Nigeria (Oct 2025 – Present)
- Ambassador of India to Venezuela (Aug 2020 – Jul 2023)
- Joint Secretary (Economic Diplomacy & Multilateral Economic Relations), MEA (2023–25) – served as India’s Sous-Sherpa for G20, G7, BRICS, IBSA, and ACD
- Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Kabul (2018–20) and Berlin (2016–17)
- Counsellor/Political Officer, Permanent Mission of India to the UN, New York (2013–16)
- Director (East & Southern Africa), MEA (2017–18)
He also participated in multiple UN General Assemblies as a delegate (2012–2015, 2024–25) and represented India on key multilateral platforms, covering peacekeeping, disarmament, counter-terrorism, and other strategic matters.
Education and Training
- Graduated with top honors in Political Science from Hindu College, University of Delhi
- PGDM in Human Resources
- Completed an 18-month Mandarin language course at the China Foreign Affairs University, Beijing
- Foreign Policy course at the Elliott School of International Affairs, George Washington University, USA
He also received extensive training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, Mussoorie, and the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, New Delhi.
Personal Life
Abhishek Singh is married to Meghna Singh, an International Educator. The couple has two sons.
Looking Ahead
With this appointment, India aims to strengthen its engagement with ECOWAS, a key regional organization in West Africa, while maintaining robust bilateral relations with Nigeria.
