The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) declared on Monday that IFS officer Raj Kamal will be the country’s next ambassador to Eritrea. This appointment marks a significant step in reinforcing India’s diplomatic mission in the African nation.
Mr. Kamal, a member of the 2009 Indian Foreign Service batch, is currently stationed at the Consulate General of India in Milan. He will be transitioning to his new role in the near future.
An Experienced Diplomat with a Broad Background
The new ambassador brings considerable experience from a diverse career in foreign service. His previous international assignments have included positions as Second Secretary in Trinidad and Tobago and as a Consular Second Secretary in Argentina.
Furthermore, his professional background includes a tenure in New Delhi as a Director handling East and Southern African affairs at the MEA headquarters. This specific regional expertise, combined with his current European posting, positions him as a well-qualified candidate to lead India’s diplomatic efforts in Eritrea.
Deepening a Long-Standing Bilateral Relationship
India and Eritrea have maintained formal diplomatic relations since 1993. The bilateral partnership has been strengthened through multiple channels, including:
Training and capacity-building initiatives.
Academic scholarships offered under India’s ITEC program.
Collaborations in agriculture and various trade agreements.
Regular diplomatic discussions through Foreign Office Consultations.
The connection between the two countries is also rooted in history, with Indian soldiers having served in Eritrea during the Second World War, adding a deeper historical dimension to contemporary relations.
Strategic Importance of the Appointment
This diplomatic posting is viewed as a strategic effort to enhance India’s engagement in the Horn of Africa. Eritrea’s location along the Red Sea coast is of considerable geopolitical importance due to its position near major international maritime routes. India’s ongoing commitment to providing development aid, technical expertise, and educational support plays a crucial role in building mutual trust and strategic collaboration in the region.
Official Statement
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the appointment in an official release, stating: “Raj Kamal, who is currently serving at the Consulate General of India in Milan, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the State of Eritrea. He will assume his new responsibilities shortly.”
