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Abhay Kumar Assumes Role as India's Ambassador to Azerbaijan in Baku

Abhay Kumar has officially taken charge as India's new Ambassador to Azerbaijan, arriving in Baku. He brings a wealth of experience from postings in Madagascar, Comoros, Brazil, Nepal, and Russia, along with key roles in digital public diplomacy and cultural coordination. His appointment comes as bilateral ties strengthen, marked by a significant 108% increase in Indian tourists to Azerbaijan in 2024. The relationship is further underpinned by substantial Indian investments in the country's key oil and gas fields and pipeline infrastructure.

Key Points: India's New Ambassador Abhay Kumar Takes Charge in Azerbaijan

  • Extensive diplomatic career
  • Focus on digital & cultural diplomacy
  • Surge in Indian tourists to Azerbaijan
  • Strategic energy investments
2 min read

Abhay Kumar takes charge as India's new Ambassador to Azerbaijan

Ambassador Abhay Kumar arrives in Baku, bringing extensive diplomatic experience to bolster India-Azerbaijan relations and tourism ties.

"Ambassador (designate) Mr. Abhay Kumar arrived in Baku today and assumed charge - Indian Embassy"

Baku, February 4

India's newly appointed Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Abhay Kumar, arrived in Baku and took charge on Tuesday.

"Ambassador (designate) Mr. Abhay Kumar arrived in Baku today and assumed charge," the Indian Embassy said in a post on X.

Kumar headed India's diplomatic mission to Madagascar and the Comoros from 2019 to 2022, and served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Brazil from 2016-2022. He has also served as First Secretary at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu from 2012-2016 and in Russia from 2005-2010.

He also worked as Under Secretary Public Diplomacy from 2010-2012 responsible for putting Indian diplomacy on the digital map and as Deputy DG Indian Council for Cultural Relations from 2022-2025, responsible for coordinating over 300 cultural events during India's presidency of G-20.

Before leaving for Baku, Kumar called on President Draupadi Murmu and received credentials from her.

Kumar, of Indian Foreign Service batch of 2003, was previously the Joint Secretary in the Ministry. He was appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Azerbaijan on December 30.

India-Azerbaijan relations are based on civilisational linkages, cultural affinities and shared values of understanding and respect for other cultures, as per a statement by the Embassy said.

In 2024, Azerbaijan received 243,589 tourists from India, a 108% increase over the number of tourist arrivals in 2023 (117,302). During this period, India was the 3rd largest source of inbound tourists for Azerbaijan, after Russia and Turkiye.

Delhi and Mumbai have direct flight connectivity with Baku. Of the 14 direct flights a week, 10 are between Delhi and Baku and 4 between Mumbai and Baku.

ONGC Videsh Ltd has invested more than US$ 1.2 billion in acquiring stakes in the Azeri - Chirag - Gunashli (ACG) oil and gas fields and the Baku - Tbilisi - Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipe line.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
It's great to see such a well-qualified officer taking charge. His postings in Russia, Nepal, Brazil, and Madagascar show a diverse experience. Hope he can further boost economic cooperation, especially in energy where ONGC has already invested heavily.
R
Rohit P
The 108% jump in Indian tourists to Azerbaijan is amazing! Direct flights are clearly helping. Maybe the embassy can now work on making visa processes even smoother and promoting student exchanges. Cultural affinities are a strong base to build on.
S
Sarah B
While I wish the new ambassador all the best, I hope our foreign service also focuses on improving consular services for the common Indian traveller and worker abroad. Sometimes the experience at embassies can be quite bureaucratic.
V
Vikram M
Strong strategic appointment. Azerbaijan is an important partner in the Caucasus region and a key energy supplier. With his background, Ambassador Kumar can navigate this relationship well. Jai Hind!
K
Kavya N
More than 300 cultural events during G20! Wow. Hope he brings that energy to showcase Indian arts, yoga, and cuisine in Azerbaijan. People-to-people connections are the real foundation of diplomacy. All the best sir!

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