Thursday, Mar 28, 2024 | Last Update : 07:22 PM IST

  India   Navtej Sarna new US envoy

Navtej Sarna new US envoy

AGE CORRESPONDENT
Published : Sep 23, 2016, 6:29 am IST
Updated : Sep 23, 2016, 6:29 am IST

India’s high commissioner to UK Navtej Sarna was on Thursday appointed as ambassador to the US, a high-profile posting where he will face the task of engaging with a new administration in Washington f

Navtej Sarna
 Navtej Sarna

India’s high commissioner to UK Navtej Sarna was on Thursday appointed as ambassador to the US, a high-profile posting where he will face the task of engaging with a new administration in Washington following the November 8 presidential poll.

According to news agency reports, Mr Sarna, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1980 batch, was serving as secretary (west) in the ministry of external affairs before he was posted to London in January. He succeeds Arun Singh, who is due for retirement.

The 59-year-old diplomat was among the longest-serving spokespersons of the MEA. He had held the post between 2002 and 2008. “He is expected to take up the assignment shortly,” the external affairs ministry said.

In Washington, Mr Sarna’s main task will be to ensure continuity in Indo-US relations when a new dispensation takes charge.

The government has also appointed 1988-batch IFS officer Taranjit Singh Sandhu as the next high commissioner of India to Sri Lanka. He will replace Yash Sinha, who is tipped to be the next Indian high commissioner to the UK, according to reports.

Location: India, Delhi, New Delhi