New Delhi: The Government of India has appointed Pranay Verma (IFS: 1994), currently serving as Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Belgium and the European Union, as the next Ambassador of India to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, with residence in Brussels.
The appointment further strengthens India’s diplomatic engagement with Luxembourg while leveraging the extensive experience of one of the Indian Foreign Service’s most seasoned diplomats. Verma will continue to operate from Brussels while concurrently handling diplomatic relations with Luxembourg.
Veteran Diplomat with Over Three Decades of Experience
A 1994-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Pranay Verma is regarded as a specialist in East Asian affairs, strategic diplomacy and regional connectivity. Over a diplomatic career spanning more than 30 years, he has served in several key foreign missions and held important policy-making positions within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
His latest assignment comes shortly after he assumed charge as India’s Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union in May 2026.
Educational Background
Pranay Verma brings a strong academic and professional background to diplomacy.
- Holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
- Worked briefly with Tata Steel before joining the civil services
- Earned a Master’s degree in Chinese Language from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey
His expertise in Chinese language and East Asian affairs has played a significant role throughout his diplomatic career.
Early Career in the Foreign Service
After joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1994, Verma served in several important diplomatic missions across Asia, Europe and North America.
His early overseas assignments included postings in:
- Hong Kong
- San Francisco
- Beijing
- Kathmandu
- Washington D.C.
These assignments provided him extensive exposure to international trade, strategic affairs, regional diplomacy and bilateral relations.
Key Roles at MEA Headquarters
Apart from overseas postings, Verma has held several important assignments at the Ministry of External Affairs and other strategic institutions.
China Desk
Between 2004 and 2006, he served as Deputy Secretary handling the China Desk, a crucial position given the complexity of India-China relations.
Foreign Secretary’s Office
In 2009, he worked as Director in the Foreign Secretary’s Office, assisting in the coordination of India’s foreign policy initiatives.
Climate Change Negotiations
From 2009 to 2010, Verma managed international climate diplomacy and global climate change negotiations on behalf of India.
Department of Atomic Energy
Between 2014 and 2017, he served as Joint Secretary (Director General) for External Relations in the Department of Atomic Energy, handling strategic international engagements related to nuclear cooperation.
East Asia Division
From 2017 to 2019, he headed the East Asia Division as Joint Secretary, helping shape India’s engagement with ASEAN nations and advancing the country’s Act East Policy.
Ambassador to Vietnam (2019–2022)
Pranay Verma was appointed Ambassador of India to Vietnam in 2019.
During his tenure:
- India-Vietnam bilateral trade expanded significantly.
- Defence cooperation deepened under India’s Act East Policy.
- Strategic maritime cooperation strengthened amid evolving Indo-Pacific dynamics.
- High-level political and military exchanges increased.
- Cooperation in pharmaceuticals, technology and infrastructure witnessed growth.
His tenure coincided with India’s efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships across Southeast Asia.
High Commissioner to Bangladesh (2022–2026)
In 2022, Verma was appointed India’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, one of New Delhi’s most sensitive diplomatic assignments.
His tenure saw:
- Expansion of connectivity projects between India and Bangladesh.
- Progress in trade and economic cooperation.
- Enhanced border management coordination.
- Continued implementation of the Neighbourhood First Policy.
- Management of bilateral relations during political and economic transitions in Bangladesh.
He played a crucial role in maintaining engagement between the two countries during a period of significant regional developments.
Ambassador to Belgium, European Union and Luxembourg
In May 2026, Verma assumed office as Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union.
The posting is considered strategically important as India and the European Union continue negotiations on trade, investment and strategic partnerships.
With his concurrent accreditation to Luxembourg, Verma will now oversee India’s diplomatic outreach to two important European partners from Brussels.
Why Luxembourg Matters for India
Though geographically small, Luxembourg is an influential financial and investment hub within Europe.
India and Luxembourg cooperate in:
- Financial services
- Investment promotion
- Space technology
- FinTech
- Sustainable development
- European Union engagement
The appointment of an experienced diplomat like Verma reflects New Delhi’s focus on strengthening economic and strategic ties with key European partners.
A Career Defined by Strategic Diplomacy
From handling China-related affairs and climate negotiations to representing India in Vietnam, Bangladesh, Belgium and now Luxembourg, Pranay Verma’s career reflects extensive experience across some of India’s most important diplomatic theatres.
His latest assignment is expected to further deepen India’s engagement with Europe while supporting broader foreign policy objectives involving trade, connectivity and strategic cooperation.
