Abu Dhabi: Nearly two months after his appointment was announced, Dr. Deepak Mittal has officially assumed charge as India’s new Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates.

Dr. Mittal began his first day in office on Friday by paying floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, India’s Father of the Nation, at the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. He also planted a sapling on the embassy premises, marking a symbolic and sustainable beginning to his diplomatic tenure.

The Embassy shared photos of the event on social media with the caption: “Embracing Mahatma’s ideals and sustainability.”

A 1998-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Dr. Mittal succeeds Sunjay Sudhir, who served as ambassador from November 2021 to October 2025.

Extensive Diplomatic Experience

Dr. Mittal is a seasoned diplomat with a distinguished career in the Indian Foreign Service. He has previously served in Indian missions in Egypt, Israel, and Bangladesh. He also held the position of Consul General of India in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and was India’s Ambassador to Qatar from August 2020 to March 2023.

At the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), he has managed key portfolios, including consular affairs and India’s relations with Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran.

Trusted Aide to the Prime Minister

Dr. Mittal has served two terms in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) — first as Director and later as Additional Secretary. In his most recent role before his UAE posting, he worked closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as Additional Secretary in the PMO.

According to reports, Dr. Mittal played a pivotal role in facilitating the first formal diplomatic engagement between India and the Taliban following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. He met Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, the Taliban’s Political Office head in Doha, in 2021.

Language Skills and Personal Background

Fluent in Hindi, English, and Arabic, Dr. Mittal is known for his communication skills and deep understanding of regional geopolitics. He is married and has a son and a daughter.

Strengthening India–UAE Ties

His appointment comes at a crucial time when India and the UAE continue to strengthen cooperation across key sectors such as trade, investment, energy, and technology. Dr. Mittal’s extensive diplomatic experience and close association with the Prime Minister’s Office are expected to further enhance the strategic partnership between the two nations.