The Government of India has announced the appointment of Shri Srinivas Gotru, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1997 batch, as the next Ambassador of India to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Shri Gotru, who is currently serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, is set to assume his new role shortly.
With extensive experience in international diplomacy, Shri Gotru has served in various key positions both within India and at Indian missions abroad. His expertise in multilateral diplomacy and regional cooperation makes him exceptionally well-suited to represent India’s interests in one of the world’s most dynamic and strategically important regions.
As India’s Ambassador to ASEAN, Shri Gotru will play a pivotal role in further strengthening India’s ties with the 10-nation bloc. ASEAN, which includes countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, is a cornerstone of India’s “Act East” policy, with the region being a priority in India’s foreign policy agenda. Shri Gotru’s appointment comes at a time when India is looking to deepen its economic, trade, and cultural relations with ASEAN countries, particularly in the fields of technology, security, and connectivity.
India has consistently sought to enhance its engagement with ASEAN, and Shri Gotru’s appointment is expected to provide fresh momentum to this ongoing collaboration, particularly in the areas of regional security and economic integration. He will also continue to work towards enhancing India’s cooperation with ASEAN on a variety of initiatives, including climate change, disaster response, and digital economy.
The Ministry of External Affairs expressed confidence that Shri Gotru’s diplomatic acumen and extensive experience will significantly contribute to advancing India’s strategic partnership with ASEAN, further strengthening the shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and stable Indo-Pacific region.
Shri Gotru is expected to take up his new assignment in the coming weeks, and his appointment underscores India’s commitment to reinforcing its strong and growing ties with Southeast Asia.