In a significant diplomatic move, Santosh Jha, a seasoned Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 1993 batch, has officially taken charge as the new High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka. The formal presentation of credentials took place on Friday, with Jha presenting his credentials to Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe.
Santosh Jha, who previously served as the Ambassador of India to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union, assumed his new role after being appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka in September. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted Jha’s extensive experience in various diplomatic roles, emphasizing his previous ambassadorial position and his leadership in key MEA divisions.
Ambassador Jha’s diplomatic journey includes a stint at the Indian Embassy in Brussels from 2010 to 2013, where he served as the Deputy Chief of Mission. Notably, during this period, he held the position of Charge d’ Affaires from January to September 2012. His expertise in European affairs was further showcased as he headed the MEA Division for relations with Western Europe and the European Union from October 2014 to April 2015.
Before taking up the role in Sri Lanka, Ambassador Santosh Jha served as the Ambassador of India to Belgium, Luxembourg, and the European Union, beginning on July 17, 2020. His diverse experience, including heading MEA divisions for Human Resources and Management Affairs, reflects his comprehensive understanding of diplomatic intricacies.
With his assumption of the role of High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Ambassador Santosh Jha is poised to play a pivotal role in fostering and strengthening the diplomatic ties between India and Sri Lanka. The appointment underscores the importance India places on its relationship with its neighboring countries and signifies a new chapter in bilateral cooperation.
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