Riyadh: Senior Indian diplomat Vipul has assumed charge as India’s Ambassador-designate to Saudi Arabia, marking a new chapter in his diplomatic career and India’s representation in the Kingdom.

The Embassy of India in Riyadh announced on Wednesday, August 12, that Vipul had assumed charge and wished him a successful tenure.

A 1998-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, Vipul was appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Saudi Arabia by the Ministry of External Affairs on June 2. According to reports, his appointment makes him the first non-Muslim Indian diplomat to hold the ambassadorial post in Saudi Arabia since 1948.

From Qatar to Riyadh

Before taking up his new assignment, Vipul served as India’s Ambassador to Qatar for three years, completing his tenure in July. During his time in Doha, India-Qatar relations witnessed further growth in areas including trade, investment, energy and people-to-people ties.

On July 31, Vipul said he had received his credentials from President Droupadi Murmu as India’s next Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. He also expressed his commitment to further strengthening bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia.

Vipul’s new assignment comes at a significant time for India-Saudi Arabia relations, with cooperation continuing to expand across economic, energy, investment and strategic areas.