Veteran Diplomat with Experience Across Four Continents to Strengthen India-Serbia Relations
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed Abhishek Shukla, a 2006-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and currently serving as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Beijing, as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Serbia. The accomplished diplomat is expected to assume his new responsibilities shortly.
A Distinguished Career in Diplomacy
Mr. Shukla’s diplomatic journey spans more than a decade, with assignments in China, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and at India’s MEA headquarters. His career reflects an impressive blend of economic diplomacy, political engagement, protocol management, and multilateral coordination.
Key Diplomatic Assignments
China (2008–2013)
Mr. Shukla began his international career in Beijing, where he studied Mandarin at the China Foreign Affairs University. He subsequently served as Third, Second, and First Secretary, focusing on trade and economic relations. During this period, he played an instrumental role in facilitating Indian businesses in China and in promoting Chinese investments in India’s priority sectors, including infrastructure, IT, and manufacturing.
United Kingdom (2013–2015)
In London, he served as First Secretary (Political) at the High Commission of India, overseeing parliamentary engagement and political liaison work. Simultaneously, he acted as Staff Officer to the High Commissioner, managing high-level diplomatic initiatives.
Protocol Division, MEA (2015–2017)
On his return to New Delhi, Mr. Shukla was appointed Deputy Chief of Protocol (Ceremonials) at the MEA. In this role, he coordinated numerous high-profile foreign visits and was directly involved in organizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official trips to the United States, Germany, Japan, and China.
He also played a vital role in hosting the 2016 BRICS Summit in Goa, which, in a historic first, brought together BIMSTEC leaders alongside BRICS member states, showcasing India’s growing multilateral influence.
Consul General, Cape Town
Expanding his international portfolio further, Mr. Shukla served as Consul General of India in Cape Town, South Africa, where he strengthened India’s outreach in southern Africa through cultural, commercial, and diaspora engagement.
Deputy Chief of Mission, Beijing (2023–Present)
Returning to China in July 2023, he took charge as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Beijing—a position of critical importance amidst evolving Indo-China dynamics.
Personal Background
Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Shukla is married to Saloni Shukla, a former banker who transitioned into education. The couple is blessed with a son.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening India-Serbia Relations
As India’s new Ambassador to Serbia, Mr. Shukla will represent New Delhi’s interests in a strategically positioned European nation with which India shares deep historical ties, particularly through the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). His appointment is viewed as a step towards enhancing bilateral cooperation in diplomacy, trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange.
Mr. Shukla’s wide-ranging experience across four continents and his proven track record in both bilateral and multilateral diplomacy make him well-positioned to further consolidate India-Serbia relations in the years ahead.
