Periasamy Kumaran Takes Charge as India's High Commissioner to the UK
Synopsis
In a significant diplomatic move, Periasamy Kumaran has been appointed as India's High Commissioner to the UK, succeeding Vikram Doraiswami. With extensive experience in foreign service, Kumaran's new role is set to strengthen India's ties with the UK.
Key Takeaways
Periasamy Kumaran appointed as India's High Commissioner to the UK.
Successor to Vikram Doraiswami .
Extensive experience in diplomatic roles globally.
Fluent in multiple languages including Arabic .
Current role enhances India-UK relations.
On March 26, New Delhi (NationPress) announced that Periasamy Kumaran, who is currently serving as the Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has been designated as India's new High Commissioner to the UK.
Kumaran, an officer from the 1992 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), is anticipated to commence his new role imminently.
He will succeed Vikram Doraiswami, who has been appointed as India's Ambassador to China and is expected to take up the role soon.
Since 2025, Kumaran has been fulfilling his duties as the Secretary (East) at the MEA. His career in the IFS began in 1992, and his first overseas assignment was as the Third Secretary at the Embassy of India in Cairo from 1994 to 1997. He subsequently served as the Second Secretary at the Embassy of India in Tripoli from 1997 to 2000, and then as the First Secretary at the Embassy of India in Brussels from 2000 to 2003.
After returning to India, he worked as the Deputy Secretary for Europe West in the MEA from 2003 to 2005. He then held the position of Regional Passport Officer in Bangalore from 2005 to 2007, before being posted to Pakistan as Counsellor at the High Commission of India in Islamabad from 2007 to 2009.
His diplomatic journey continued as he served as Counsellor at the Embassy of India in Washington from 2009 to 2011, followed by his tenure as Deputy High Commissioner at the High Commission of India in Colombo from 2011 to 2014.
From 2014 to 2016, Kumaran was the Joint Secretary for the Consular, Passport, and Visa Division in MEA, New Delhi. He also served as India's Ambassador to Qatar from 2016 to 2020, and as High Commissioner to Singapore from 2020 to 2023.
In July 2023, he took on the role of Additional Secretary for Economic Relations and Development Partnership Administration. He was later elevated to Special Secretary for Economic Relations and Development Partnership Administration in the MEA, New Delhi.
He officially took on his current role as Secretary (East) in the MEA on April 1, 2025, and is proficient in English, Tamil, Hindi, and Arabic.
Point of View
Aiming to enhance ties with the UK. Kumaran's extensive background in international relations positions him as a key figure in navigating future collaborations, particularly in economic and geopolitical contexts.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Periasamy Kumaran?
Periasamy Kumaran is a senior Indian Foreign Service officer appointed as India's High Commissioner to the UK.
What was Kumaran's previous role?
He was the Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs.
Who did Kumaran replace?
He replaced Vikram Doraiswami, who has been appointed as India's Ambassador to China.
What languages does Kumaran speak?
Kumaran is proficient in English, Tamil, Hindi, and Arabic.
When did Kumaran join the Indian Foreign Service?
He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1992.
