Vikas Swarup is India's new envoy to Canada
The MEA said he is expected to take up his new assignment shortly.
New Delhi: India’s foreign ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup was Thursday appointed high commissioner to Canada. He was instrumental in expanding the MEA’s social media outreach and handling sensitive issues deftly.
A 1986-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, Mr Swarup, whose debut novel Q&A was made into the Oscar-winning movie Slumdog Millionaire, had helmed the high-profile office since April 2015 when India’s external engagement saw major traction.
Mr Swarup was recently promoted to the rank of additional secretary. The MEA said he is expected to take up his new assignment shortly.
Gopal Baglay, who is joint secretary in the Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan division in the MEA, will succeed Mr Swarup as the ministry of external affairs spokesperson.