New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday appointed Vishwesh Negi, a 2002-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, India’s next ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Iran. The ministry said Negi, who is currently serving as a joint secretary in the MEA, is expected to assume his assignment in Tehran shortly.
Negi succeeds at a time when India is closely monitoring developments in West Asia, where regional tensions have raised concerns over maritime security, energy supplies and the safety of commercial shipping. Iran remains an important strategic partner for India, particularly in areas such as regional connectivity, trade and energy.
Before his latest appointment, Negi headed the Oceania division in the MEA as joint secretary, where he oversaw India’s engagement with Pacific Island countries, including high-level interactions such as the India-Papua New Guinea foreign office consultations. Earlier, he served on central deputation in the Department of Defence, where he handled India’s international defence partnerships after being elevated to the joint secretary rank in late 2022.
Negi has also worked in the MEA’s United Nations political division, contributing to India’s multilateral diplomacy. Earlier in his career, he handled desk responsibilities relating to India-Pakistan bilateral relations, adding to his experience across regional and strategic affairs.
The appointment comes days after the external affairs minister, S Jaishankar, held a telephone conversation with the Iranian foreign minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, to discuss the evolving security situation in West Asia.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said he conveyed India’s deep concern over the ongoing hostilities and urged that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers be avoided under any circumstances.
The diplomatic developments also coincide with renewed international engagement with Tehran. The US president, Donald Trump, said indirect negotiations between the US and Iran are expected to begin on Monday. Separately, Iranian state media reported that discussions with Oman on a joint operational mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz are in their final stages.