Senior Diplomat Randhir Jaiswal (IFS:1998) has formally taken over the role of the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, succeeding Arindam Bagchi (IFS:1995). Arindam Bagchi has been appointed as India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva.
Arindam Bagchi, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, assumed the position of spokesperson in March 2021. His tenure coincided with significant global events, such as the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, the military standoff with China in eastern Ladakh, India hosting the G20 Summit in September, and increased diplomatic engagements, including recent tensions between India and Canada.
Randhir Jaiswal had previously held the position of Consul General of India in New York. He assumed this role in July 2020, managing operations during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. In this capacity, he played a pivotal role in facilitating the repatriation of stranded Indian tourists, students, and members of the diaspora. His term in New York officially concluded on November 26, 2023.
Jaiswal’s diplomatic career encompasses postings in Portugal, Cuba, South Africa, and India’s permanent mission to the United Nations in New York.
