New Delhi: Vishwesh Negi, a 2002 batch Indian Foreign Services (IFS) officer, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Iran.
He is now posted as a joint secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
“Shri Vishwesh Negi (IFS: 2002), presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Islamic Republic of Iran. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly,” the MEA said in a statement on Monday.
Negi’s appointment comes at a crucial time when India has been reiterating its concern for the security of commercial shipping routes and the safety of seafarers, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
During a telephonic conversation with Iranian foreign minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Friday, India’s External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar urged that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers be avoided under any circumstance.
The two leaders discussed the evolving security situation in the region.
Jaishankar posted on X that he conveyed India’s deep concerns over the ongoing hostilities in West Asia and reiterated New Delhi’s support for dialogue and diplomacy, as reported by ANI.
“Had a tele-conversation with FM @araghchi of Iran this evening. Conveyed our deep concerns at the ongoing hostilities in the region. Strongly urged that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers be avoided under any circumstance. India condemns any such attack by any party,” the EAM said.
He was apprised of Iran’s perspective on the current developments and the discussions currently underway, Jaishankar said.
“Was apprised of Iran’s perspective of current developments and discussions underway. India is always supportive of dialogue and diplomacy,” he posted.
Sixteen Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers have been killed in the region since the West Asia crisis began on February 28 this year, the Government informed Parliament recently.
US president Donald Trump has said that negotiations with Iran, expected to take place through intermediaries, are scheduled to commence on Monday.
Discussions between Iran and Oman concerning a joint operational mechanism to govern the Strait of Hormuz were in their final stages, Iranian state media indicated.