The Embassy of India in Vienna

Shambhu S. Kumaran

Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran is a seasoned diplomat with a long and varied career in the Indian Foreign Service, which he joined in 1995. Over the decades, he has held several prestigious positions, both within India and abroad, enhancing India's diplomatic relationships across the globe.

Ambassador Kumaran most recently served as the Ambassador of India to the Philippines, the Republic of Palau, and the Federated States of Micronesia. Before this, from June 2019 to July 2020, he was the Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Morocco, where he played a crucial role in strengthening the bilateral relations between the two countries.

His diplomatic journey also includes significant postings such as Political Counsellor in Kathmandu (2007-2009) and Deputy High Commissioner to South Africa (2009-2012). Earlier in his career, he served in Frankfurt and Berlin (1997-2002), where he gained extensive experience in European affairs.

Within the Ministry of External Affairs in India, Ambassador Kumaran has held several key positions. He was Deputy Secretary in the West Europe Division from 2002 to 2004, handling relations with the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and the Commonwealth. He also served as an Officer on Special Duty (Press Relations) in the External Publicity Division from 2004 to 2007. His leadership roles continued as he became Director (East Asia/China), Joint Secretary (Establishment), and Joint Secretary (Eurasia) from 2012 to 2016.

From January 2016 to May 2019, Ambassador Kumaran was on deputation to the Ministry of Defence as Joint Secretary (Planning and International Cooperation), a role that involved significant strategic coordination and international defence cooperation.

Ambassador Kumaran holds a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from Kerala University and further advanced his academic pursuits with a Master of Arts in International Studies and a Master of Philosophy in Diplomatic Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Throughout his career, Ambassador Kumaran has been recognized for his sharp diplomatic acumen and his ability to navigate complex international issues, contributing significantly to India's foreign policy objectives. His expertise in strategic planning and international relations has made him a valuable asset to India's diplomatic missions abroad.

Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran's extensive experience and deep commitment to public service continue to serve as a strong foundation for his ongoing contributions to India's international diplomatic engagements.