New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Saturday announced the appointment of Tshering Wangchuk Sherpa, a 2002-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, as the next Ambassador of India to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Sherpa is currently serving as Joint Secretary in the MEA and is expected to assume his new post shortly.
“Tshering Wangchuk Sherpa (IFS:2002), presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam,” the MEA said in an official statement.
Veteran Diplomat with Deep Foreign Policy Experience
Mr Wangchuk Sherpa brings over two decades of diplomatic experience to his new role. As a senior IFS officer, he has been involved in shaping India’s foreign policy on multiple fronts and is well-regarded for his work in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy. His appointment signals India’s continued commitment to enhancing ties with Vietnam – a critical partner in the Indo-Pacific.
India–Vietnam Relations: A Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
India and Vietnam enjoy a traditionally close and warm relationship, marked by mutual trust, cultural linkages, and growing strategic cooperation.
- Key milestones in the bilateral relationship include:
- Diplomatic relations established on 7 January 1972
- Elevated to Strategic Partnership in 2007
Further upgraded to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2016 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Vietnam
Guided by a “Joint Vision for Peace, Prosperity and People” adopted in 2020
In 2022, both countries celebrated 50 years of diplomatic relations, with renewed efforts to expand cooperation across sectors like defense, trade, education, digital technology, and energy.
Prime Minister Modi has maintained close engagement with Vietnam’s leadership, including recent interactions with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong and former Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
Recent Diplomatic Appointments Signal Focus on Asia
Sherpa’s appointment follows another key foreign posting announced earlier this week, where Rohit Rathish, also a Joint Secretary in the MEA, was appointed as High Commissioner of India to Seychelles. These movements indicate India’s focus on placing seasoned diplomats in strategically important regions amid an evolving global landscape.
