New Delhi: The Government of India has announced fresh diplomatic appointments as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen international engagement. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that senior Indian Foreign Service officer Anita Shukla will serve as India’s next Ambassador to the Republic of Ecuador. In another development, Suneet Mehta, currently India’s High Commissioner to Fiji, has been given additional responsibility as High Commissioner to the Kingdom of Tonga.
The appointments were notified on March 6, 2026, reflecting India’s continued focus on expanding diplomatic outreach in Latin America and the Pacific region.
Anita Shukla Appointed Ambassador to Ecuador
Anita Shukla, a 2006-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, has been designated as India’s next Ambassador to Ecuador. Prior to this appointment, she was serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.
With more than a decade of diplomatic experience, Shukla has handled several important assignments both at the ministry headquarters and in Indian missions abroad. Her appointment to Ecuador marks the next step in her diplomatic career.
Experience in Diplomatic Training and International Affairs
During her tenure in the Ministry of External Affairs, Shukla played a significant role in training and capacity-building for diplomatic officers. She previously served as Director responsible for training programs for Foreign Service officers and other officials at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service in New Delhi.
Her overseas experience includes serving at the Embassy of India in Stockholm, Sweden, where she worked as Counsellor handling political affairs, media relations, and information outreach.
These assignments have given her extensive exposure to diplomatic engagement, policy coordination, and international relations.
Role in Strengthening India–Ecuador Relations
As Ambassador to Ecuador, Shukla will be responsible for advancing India’s diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with the South American nation. Her role will include promoting trade partnerships, enhancing political cooperation, and strengthening collaboration in areas such as technology, education, and development.
The appointment is expected to further support India’s growing engagement with countries in Latin America.
Suneet Mehta Gets Additional Charge of Tonga
In another diplomatic decision, the government has accredited Suneet Mehta, an IFS officer from the 2007 batch, as the next High Commissioner of India to the Kingdom of Tonga. He will continue to be based in Suva, Fiji, where he currently serves as India’s High Commissioner.
This concurrent accreditation expands his diplomatic responsibilities in the Pacific region.
Extensive Diplomatic Experience
Suneet Mehta assumed charge as India’s High Commissioner to Fiji in January 2025 following his appointment in December 2024.
Over a diplomatic career spanning more than 17 years, he has held several key positions in the Ministry of External Affairs and at Indian missions abroad.
His previous assignments include serving as Deputy High Commissioner to Australia in Canberra and working at the Indian Embassy in Washington, D.C., where he handled political and consular matters.
He has also served in New Delhi as Deputy Secretary responsible for Central Europe and earlier worked in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs during a deputation.
Academic Background
Apart from his diplomatic experience, Mehta also possesses a strong academic and professional background in finance and corporate governance.
His qualifications include:
• Bachelor’s degree in Commerce
• Chartered Accountant (CA)
• Company Secretary (CS)
This combination of administrative and financial expertise has contributed to his work in economic diplomacy and international cooperation.
Expanding India’s Presence in the Pacific
From his base in Fiji, Mehta already represents India in several Pacific island nations through concurrent accreditations. In addition to Tonga, he has also been accredited to countries such as Kiribati and Tuvalu.
In his current role, he has been actively involved in strengthening India’s engagement in the Pacific through development projects, healthcare cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
Key initiatives under his watch include infrastructure support and healthcare collaborations, including projects aimed at improving medical facilities in the region.
Strengthening Bilateral Engagement
India has been steadily expanding its diplomatic footprint in both Latin America and the Pacific islands. Appointments such as those of Anita Shukla and Suneet Mehta reflect New Delhi’s efforts to deepen political dialogue, economic cooperation, and people-to-people ties with partner nations.
Through these postings, the government aims to enhance India’s diplomatic outreach while supporting development partnerships and cultural engagement across different regions of the world.
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