New Delhi: Periasamy Kumaran, a senior diplomat from the 1992 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom. He is expected to assume the assignment shortly, succeeding Vikram K Doraiswami.
Currently serving as Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Kumaran is regarded as one of India’s most experienced diplomats, with postings across West Asia, Europe, South Asia, Southeast Asia and North America.
From IIT Madras to Indian Foreign Service
Periasamy Kumaran holds a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology Madras.
Read Also: Who Is Vikram K Doraiswami? Senior IFS Diplomat Appointed India’s Next Ambassador to China
An IIT-trained technocrat turned diplomat, he joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1992 and began a diplomatic career that has now spanned more than three decades.
He is fluent in:
- English
- Tamil
- Hindi
- Arabic
Early Diplomatic Assignments: Cairo, Tripoli and Brussels
His first overseas posting came as Third Secretary in the Embassy of India in Cairo (1994–1997).
He later served as:
- Second Secretary in Tripoli (1997–2000)
- First Secretary in Brussels (2000–2003)
These assignments gave him early exposure to Arab affairs, European diplomacy and bilateral engagement.
Return to Delhi and Europe Desk Responsibilities
After his early overseas assignments, Kumaran returned to New Delhi to serve as Deputy Secretary (Europe West) in the Ministry of External Affairs between 2003 and 2005.
This role involved handling strategic engagement with Western European countries during a period of expanding India-Europe ties.
Regional Passport Officer and Sensitive Pakistan Posting
He later served as Regional Passport Officer in Bengaluru (2005–2007) before being assigned to one of India’s most sensitive diplomatic missions.
He served as Counsellor in the High Commission of India, Islamabad (2007–2009) during a crucial period in India-Pakistan relations.
Washington and Colombo Assignments Strengthened Strategic Exposure
From Islamabad, Kumaran moved to Washington DC, where he served as Counsellor in the Embassy of India (2009–2011).
He then took charge as Deputy High Commissioner in Colombo (2011–2014), handling major bilateral and regional issues involving India and Sri Lanka.
Led Passport, Consular and Visa Division in MEA
Between 2014 and 2016, he served as Joint Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa Division) in the Ministry of External Affairs.
This division oversees one of the largest citizen-facing functions of the ministry, including passport services and overseas consular coordination.
First Ambassadorial Posting in Qatar
Kumaran received his first ambassadorial assignment as Ambassador of India to Qatar (2016–2020).
His tenure in Doha coincided with important developments in India-Gulf engagement, labour diplomacy and energy cooperation.
High Commissioner to Singapore Before Return to Delhi
He was then appointed High Commissioner of India to Singapore (2020–2023).
During his tenure in Singapore, India-Singapore relations deepened in trade, technology and strategic cooperation.
Senior Leadership in MEA Before UK Appointment
In July 2023, Kumaran returned to headquarters as Additional Secretary (Economic Relations & Development Partnership Administration).
He was later elevated as Special Secretary (ER & DPA) before assuming charge as Secretary (East) on April 1, 2025.
As Secretary-level officer, he has been handling major diplomatic responsibilities related to Asia and strategic economic partnerships.
Appointment to UK Seen as Key Strategic Posting
His appointment as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom comes at a strategically important time, with India-UK relations expanding in –
- trade negotiations
- mobility partnerships
- defence cooperation
- education ties
- diaspora engagement
London remains one of India’s most significant diplomatic assignments globally.
Family and Personal Background
Periasamy Kumaran was born on January 23, 1969.
He is married to Ritu Kumaran, and the couple has two sons.
