New Delhi: Dr Manoj Kumar Mohapatra, a senior officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS: 2000), currently serving as Ambassador of India to Romania, has been concurrently accredited as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Moldova, with residence in Bucharest. This strategic appointment by the Ministry of External Affairs underlines India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations in Eastern Europe.
A Distinguished Diplomatic Journey
Dr. Mohapatra brings over two decades of diplomatic experience and a reputation for professionalism, versatility, and strategic foresight. His impressive track record spans continents—from Central Europe to South Asia and North America.
His first foreign posting was in Berlin (2002–2006), followed by key roles in Budapest, Dhaka, and New York, where he handled crucial aspects of political and economic diplomacy. Notably, his tenure as Deputy Consul General in New York (2014–2017) was marked by robust outreach to the Indian diaspora and business communities.
Expertise in Trade and Development Diplomacy
In Washington D.C., Dr. Mohapatra served as Minister (Commerce) at the Indian Embassy, advancing India-U.S. economic relations. His deep understanding of international trade and commercial diplomacy was crucial during a transformative period in bilateral ties.
Earlier, he also held the role of Joint Secretary in MEA (2017–2019), where he coordinated key external policy initiatives.
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Ambassadorial Tenures in Guatemala and Romania
Dr. Mohapatra was appointed as Ambassador to Guatemala in 2021, where he led several initiatives to bolster India’s presence in Central America. He took over as Ambassador to Romania in 2023, and has now been concurrently entrusted with Moldova, further expanding India’s diplomatic footprint in Eastern Europe.
Academic Excellence and Unique Background
Born on May 18, 1971, Dr. Mohapatra holds a Master’s in Veterinary Science (M.V.Sc.) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management (PGDIBM). His rare blend of scientific and managerial training enhances his ability to engage on diverse global issues—from agriculture to trade and multilateral cooperation.
Personal Life
He is married to Mrs. Jyotirmayee Mohapatra and has two children, Suhani and Rohan. Outside work, he is known to enjoy reading and traveling, passions that align naturally with his role as a global diplomat.
Strengthening India-Moldova-Romania Ties
Dr. Mohapatra’s concurrent accreditation to Moldova comes at a time when India is seeking to deepen its partnerships in Eastern Europe. His responsibilities will include promoting bilateral trade, enhancing cultural exchanges, and building political and strategic cooperation between India, Romania, and Moldova.
His career exemplifies the core values of the Indian Foreign Service; discretion, dedication, and diplomacy.
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