India on Thursday appointed senior diplomat Vikram Doraiswami, currently serving as High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, as its next ambassador to China. The move comes at a time when New Delhi and Beijing are working to rebuild ties following a prolonged military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
A key posting amid cautious reset
Doraiswami is expected to take up his new role shortly, the External Affairs Ministry said in a brief statement, reported Hindustan Times. His appointment is seen as significant as both countries continue efforts to stabilise relations after tensions in eastern Ladakh.
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He will replace Pradeep Rawat, who played an important role in the recent phase of normalisation. Since the disengagement process in October 2023, both sides have taken steps such as reviving the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, resuming direct flights, and easing restrictions on visas and investments.
A seasoned diplomat with China experience
Doraiswami is regarded as one of India's experienced diplomats, with a career spanning several key postings. His early exposure to China dates back to the 1990s, when he was posted in Hong Kong in May 1994 and later in Beijing from September 1996, where he served for nearly four years.
During his time in Hong Kong, he also learnt Mandarin at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, a skill that could prove valuable in his new assignment.
Wide-ranging global experience
Over the years, Doraiswami has held several important diplomatic roles. He has served as India's envoy to Uzbekistan, South Korea and Bangladesh, before being posted to London in September 2022.
He also worked in the Prime Minister's Office as private secretary to late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2002. His assignments include roles at India's permanent mission to the United Nations in New York and as consul general in Johannesburg.
At the Ministry's headquarters, he served as the head of division for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in 2011, joint secretary for the Americas division during 2012-2014 and as head of the division handling Bangladesh and the Maldives in 2018.
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He also helped set up a dedicated Indo-Pacific division in 2019 and later served as additional secretary for international organisations and summits.
Role in UK and Bangladesh postings
During his tenure in Dhaka between 2020 and 2022, Doraiswami was known for engaging across the political spectrum. In the UK, he worked on issues related to Khalistani activities and played a role in advancing bilateral ties, including negotiations for a free trade agreement signed in July 2025.
P Kumaran, currently secretary (East), is expected to replace him in London, according to people familiar with the matter.
