In a significant development for international maritime cooperation, veteran diplomat Shri Sanjiv Ranjan has been appointed as the next Secretary General of a leading intergovernmental organization focused on fostering collaboration among nations bordering a major oceanic region. The appointment was officially announced on December 30, 2024.
Shri Ranjan, a distinguished career diplomat from the 1993 batch of his country’s Foreign Service, currently serves as Officer on Special Duty at the Ministry of External Affairs. With extensive experience in international diplomacy and multilateral negotiations, his expertise is expected to strengthen cooperation among the member states, emphasizing economic collaboration, maritime security, and sustainable development.
The intergovernmental organization, established to promote regional cooperation among littoral and island nations, plays a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue on trade, environmental sustainability, and maritime safety. Shri Ranjan’s appointment comes at a critical time when global attention on maritime security and blue economy initiatives is on the rise.
He is set to assume the role shortly, succeeding the outgoing Secretary General. His leadership is anticipated to bring renewed focus on collaborative development, capacity-building, and deeper engagement with both member states and dialogue partners worldwide.
This appointment underscores the increasing importance of multilateral forums in addressing global challenges through collective diplomacy and regional partnerships.