Sarna set to be next US envoy

New Delhi, September 13

The Ministry of External Affairs is set to see some major changes in the coming few months. Top sources confirmed to The Tribune that Navtej Sarna would go to the United States as the next Indian ambassador there. While there were other contenders in the race, the government has taken a decision to send Sarna and an official announcement to this effect is expected soon.

The ministry will also have a new face as its official spokesperson. Present incumbent Vikas Swarup is expected to go for a posting this December, possibly as India’s next envoy to Austria. The person leading the race for the spokesperson’s office is Sandip Chakravorty, presently serving as India’s envoy to Peru. 

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The other names that the government is considering are that of Shambhu Kumaran, presently on deputation to the Ministry of Defence, and that of Dinesh Bhatia, currently serving as the Consul General of India in Toronto. Sources said Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar was likely to get a two-year extension. His term ends on January 28, 2017. —TNS