Who Is IFS Anshuman Gaur? 2001-Batch Senior Diplomat Appointed India’s Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Continues in Hungary
Senior Indian Foreign Service officer Anshuman Gaur (IFS: 2001) has been concurrently accredited as the Ambassador of India to Bosnia and Herzegovina, while continuing to serve as India’s Ambassador to Hungary. This dual assignment, announced in January 2026, reflects India’s growing diplomatic outreach in Central Europe and the Balkans, underscoring New Delhi’s intent to strengthen bilateral ties across the region.
Early Life and Education
Born on 11 June 1974 in Patna, Bihar, Gaur comes from a family deeply rooted in academia and public service. His mother was a university professor, while his father served as a civil servant. He completed his schooling at St. Michael’s High School, Patna, and matriculated from St. Xavier’s School, Hazaribagh in 1990.
He graduated from Patna Science College in 1995 and pursued post-graduation in Geology at Delhi University, completing his degree in 1997.
Diplomatic Career and Key Assignments
Gaur joined the Indian Foreign Service in 2001, undergoing training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration and later at the Foreign Service Institute, New Delhi.
Early Overseas Posting (Paris):
Served in Paris for language training.
Worked as Second Secretary at India’s Permanent Mission to UNESCO, Paris.
Roles in India:
Served as Under Secretary (Bhutan) in the Ministry of External Affairs.
Worked as Officer on Special Duty (Public Relations) in the XP Division, managing foreign media relations.
Nepal Posting (2009):
As First Secretary (Political) at the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, he initiated bilateral cooperation programs, including training of Nepalese diplomats in India.
France Posting (2012):
Served as Counsellor (Economic & Commercial) in Paris.
Expanded India–France trade and investment ties.
Delivered keynote addresses at the 5+ City Forum seminar on Smart Cities (Paris) and the Clean India Seminar (Mumbai, 2015) organized by IFFCI.
Senior Roles in India:
Director (Europe West) in the Ministry of External Affairs.
Private Secretary to Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad (Information Technology, Law & Justice, Communications & Electronics).
Officer on Special Duty to the Vice President of India (June–August 2017).
Canada Posting (2019):
Appointed Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian High Commission in Ottawa on 25 February 2019.
Concurrent Ambassadorial Role
With his new appointment, Gaur will represent India in Bosnia and Herzegovina while continuing his ambassadorial duties in Hungary, operating from his base in Budapest. This dual role is a strategic move by India to deepen engagement in the Balkans, enhance trade and cultural ties, and strengthen India’s diplomatic footprint in Europe.
Personal Life and Interests
Gaur is married to Apoorva Srivastava, also an IFS officer, and the couple has two daughters, Ayana and Ananya Gaur.
Beyond diplomacy, Gaur is an accomplished poet and writer. His literary works include:
Monograph: War Under Nuclear Shadow (FSI, 2002).
Poetry Collection: Isthmus of Time.
Featured in the 2017 poetry contest by Word Weavers.
Awards and Recognition
Recipient of the Bimal Sanyal Medal for Best Officer Trainee, IFS 2001 batch, at the Foreign Service Institute.
His published works highlight his engagement with literature alongside his diplomatic career.
Diplomatic Vision
With extensive experience across Europe, South Asia, and North America, Gaur brings a blend of economic, political, and strategic expertise to his new dual ambassadorial role. His appointment is expected to strengthen India’s bilateral relations with Hungary and Bosnia & Herzegovina, expand trade and cultural cooperation, and enhance India’s presence in the Balkans.
