Budapest/New Delhi: Senior Indian Foreign Service officer Anshuman Gaur (IFS: 2001), currently serving as Ambassador of India to the Republic of Hungary, has been concurrently accredited as the next Ambassador of India to Bosnia and Herzegovina, with residence in Budapest. This dual assignment underscores India’s growing diplomatic engagement in Europe and the Balkans.
Early Life and Education
Born on 11 June 1974 in Patna, Bihar, Anshuman Gaur hails from a family rooted in academia and public service. His mother was a university professor and his father a civil servant. Gaur completed his schooling at St Michael’s High School, Patna, and matriculated from St. Xavier’s School, Hazaribagh, in 1990.
He graduated from Patna Science College in 1995 and completed his post-graduation in Geology from Delhi University in 1997.
Diplomatic Career and Key Assignments
Gaur joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 2001, undergoing initial training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration followed by specialized diplomatic training at the Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi.
Early Overseas Postings:
He first served in Paris, France, for language training and as Second Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to UNESCO, Paris.
Roles in India:
Returning to India, Gaur served as Under Secretary (Bhutan) and as Officer on Special Duty (Public Relations) in the XP Division, managing foreign media relations.
Nepal Posting (2009):
As First Secretary (Political) at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, Gaur initiated multiple bilateral cooperation programs, including training of Nepalese diplomats in India.
France Posting (2012):
As Counsellor (Economic & Commercial) in Paris, he worked to expand India–France trade and investment and frequently engaged with French businesses. He was also a keynote speaker at the 5+ City Forum seminar on Smart Cities in Paris and at the Clean India Seminar organized by IFFCI in Mumbai in 2015.
Senior Roles in India:
Gaur has served as Director (Europe West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Private Secretary to Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad (Information Technology, Law & Justice, Communications & Electronics), and Officer on Special Duty to the Vice President of India (June–August 2017).
Canada Posting (2019):
On 25 February 2019, he was appointed Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian High Commission in Ottawa, Canada.
Concurrent Ambassadorial Role
With his appointment as Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gaur will now represent India in two countries from his base in Budapest, Hungary. This strategic move reflects India’s intent to strengthen bilateral ties in Central Europe and the Balkans.
Personal Life and Interests
Gaur is married to Apoorva Srivastava, also an Indian Foreign Service officer, and the couple has two daughters, Ayana and Ananya Gaur.
He is not only a distinguished diplomat but also a poet, with works published in English. He was featured in the 2017 poetry contest conducted by Word Weavers. His monograph, ‘War Under Nuclear Shadow’ (FSI, 2002), and his poetry collection ‘Isthmus of Time’ highlight his literary pursuits.
Awards and Recognitions
Bimal Sanyal Medal for Best Officer Trainee, IFS 2001 batch, at the Foreign Service Institute.
Published works include his monograph and poetry collection, reflecting his engagement in literature alongside diplomacy.
Diplomatic Vision
Gaur’s extensive experience across Europe, South Asia, and North America, coupled with his exposure to economic, political, and strategic diplomacy, positions him to enhance India’s bilateral relations with both Hungary and Bosnia & Herzegovina. His concurrent ambassadorial role is expected to strengthen trade, cultural, and strategic ties, while also boosting India’s presence in the Balkans.
