Raghavan returns after tenure as envoy in Pakistan

Outgoing Indian high commissioner to Pakistan T.C.A. Raghavan on Thursday crossed over from the Wagah border to return to India after serving over two years as India’s envoy in Islamabad.

Mr Raghavan was given a send-off at the border with India’s deputy high commissioner J.P. Singh and other senior embassy officials in attendance.

Mr Raghavan on Tuesday had paid a farewell visit to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who had appreciated his services for improving ties between the two countries.

He was appointed high commissioner to Pakistan in June 2013 when a new government led by Mr Sharif was formed after historic peaceful transition of power from one civilian government to another.

Mr Raghavan in his long career has also served as deputy high commissioner in Islamabad from 2003 to 2007. He worked on diplomatic assignments in the UK, Bhutan and Kuwait since he joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1982.

He is being replaced by Mr Gautam Bombawale who is currently serving as ambassador to Bhutan. Mr Bombawale is expected to take on his duties as India’s envoy to Pakistan by mid-January.