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Periasamy Kumaran Appointed India's Next High Commissioner to the UK

The Ministry of External Affairs has appointed senior diplomat Periasamy Kumaran as India's next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Kumaran, a 1992-batch IFS officer, brings extensive experience from postings across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. He succeeds Vikram Doraiswami, who has been appointed as India's next Ambassador to China. China has officially welcomed Doraiswami's appointment, expressing readiness to facilitate his transition.

Key Points: India Appoints Periasamy Kumaran as High Commissioner to UK

  • Kumaran is a 1992-batch IFS officer
  • He succeeds Vikram Doraiswami in London
  • Doraiswami appointed as Ambassador to China
  • China welcomed Doraiswami's appointment
2 min read

Periasamy Kumaran appointed India's Next High Commissioner to UK

Veteran diplomat Periasamy Kumaran named India's next High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, succeeding Vikram Doraiswami who moves to China.

"China welcomes India's newly appointed ambassador to China, Vikram K. Doraiswami... and stands ready to provide every convenience - Yu Jing, Chinese Embassy Spokesperson"

New Delhi, March 27

The Ministry of External Affairs announced the appointment of Periasamy Kumaran, currently serving as Secretary in the MEA, as the next High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom.

In an official statement on Thursday, the Ministry said, "Shri Periasamy Kumaran (IFS:1992), presently Secretary in the Ministry, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly."

Kumaran, a 1992-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), brings with him extensive diplomatic experience across multiple regions. He began his career as Third Secretary at the Indian Embassy in Cairo (1994-1997), followed by postings in Tripoli (1997-2000) and Brussels (2000-2003).

He later served as Deputy Secretary (Europe West) in the MEA (2003-2005) before taking charge as Regional Passport Officer in Bengaluru (2005-2007). His overseas assignments also include serving as Counsellor in Islamabad (2007-2009) and Washington (2009-2011), as well as Deputy High Commissioner in Colombo (2011-2014).

Subsequently, Kumaran held the position of Joint Secretary (Consular, Passport & Visa Division) in the MEA from 2014 to 2016. He went on to serve as Ambassador of India to Qatar (2016-2020) and later as High Commissioner of India to Singapore (2020-2023).

In July 2023, he assumed charge as Additional Secretary (Economic Relations & Development Partnership Administration), and was later elevated to Special Secretary in the same division. On April 1, 2025, he took over as Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs.

Kumaran will be taking up the position of Vikram Doraiswami as the High Commissioner of India to the UK.

Meanwhile, Doraiswami has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to China.

Earlier on Friday, China welcomed the appointment of India's new envoy to Beijing, Vikram Doraiswami, expressing its readiness to facilitate his transition as both nations look towards stabilising bilateral relations.

In a post on X, the Spokesperson of the Chinese Embassy in India, Yu Jing, conveyed Beijing's support for the incoming diplomat.

"China welcomes India's newly appointed ambassador to China, Vikram K. Doraiswami (Wei Jiameng, his Chinese name), and stands ready to provide every convenience for him to take up his post in China," the post stated.

Doraiswami joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1992. Before that, he did journalism for a year.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
A very seasoned diplomat. Postings in Islamabad and Washington would have given him tough negotiation skills. Hope he focuses on strengthening ties and also addresses concerns of the large Indian student community there.
A
Arjun K
Interesting to see the musical chairs between London and Beijing. Doraiswami to China is a big move given the current tensions. Both are 1992 batch officers taking on very critical posts. Wishing them both the best.
S
Sarah B
His background in economic relations is perfect for the UK role. The India-UK trade relationship needs a steady hand. Hopefully, he can help finalize the long-pending trade deal.
V
Vikram M
While his credentials are impressive, I hope the MEA also considers younger IFS officers for such plum postings. The service needs fresh perspectives, not just seniority-based appointments. Just my two paise.
K
Karthik V
Solid choice. From Cairo to Colombo, he has seen it all. The UK posting is more than diplomacy now - it's about managing the diaspora, technology partnerships, and global perception. He seems well-equipped.

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