Hyderabad: Madhav Rachayya Sulphule (IFS:2014) has assumed charge as the new Regional Passport Officer (RPO) and Head of Office in Hyderabad. A career diplomat with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Sulphule brings extensive experience in diplomacy, consular affairs, and international relations to his new assignment.
He officially took charge on Monday (July 20, 2026), succeeding to one of the MEA’s key public-facing positions responsible for passport and consular services in the region.
Returns to India After Diplomatic Assignment in Paris
Before taking over as Hyderabad RPO, Sulphule was serving as First Secretary at the Embassy of India in Paris, France, where he handled the Political, Consular, and Global Issues portfolios.
His tenure in Paris involved managing bilateral political engagement, consular services for Indian nationals, and cooperation on global issues between India and France.
A Career Diplomat with Diverse International Experience
A 2014-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Madhav R. Sulphule has served in several important diplomatic and administrative assignments during his career.
Earlier, he worked as a Consul at the Consulate General of India in San Francisco, USA, where he was actively involved in consular services and outreach programmes. During this period, he also participated in the Ministry of External Affairs’ SAMEEP (Student and MEA Engagement Programme), interacting with Indian students and explaining India’s foreign policy and diplomatic priorities.
Experience at the Ministry of External Affairs
Apart from overseas postings, Sulphule has also served at the Ministry of External Affairs headquarters in New Delhi.
He worked as Under Secretary in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Division in 2020, dealing with India’s engagement with the regional grouping.
Subsequently, he served in the Eurasia Division (ERS), contributing to India’s diplomatic engagement with countries across the Eurasian region.
Engineering Graduate Turned Diplomat
Before joining the Indian Foreign Service, Sulphule completed his engineering education at the Sri Guru Gobind Singhji Institute of Engineering and Technology (SGGSIET), Nanded, Maharashtra.
After clearing the Civil Services Examination, he joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2014 and has since built a career spanning diplomatic, political, and consular assignments in India and abroad.
Key Role as Hyderabad RPO
As Regional Passport Officer and Head of Office, Sulphule will oversee passport issuance, citizen services, and consular operations across the Hyderabad passport region.
His appointment is expected to further strengthen passport administration, improve public service delivery, and enhance coordination between the Ministry of External Affairs and citizens requiring passport and related consular services.
