New Delhi: Shri Sudhakar Dalela, a 1993-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer and Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has been appointed as India's next Ambassador to Nepal.
Dalela is expected to take up the assignment shortly. His appointment comes with extensive diplomatic experience, including previous responsibilities overseeing India's relations with Nepal and Bhutan.
Extensive Diplomatic Experience Across Key Regions
Dalela joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1993 and began his diplomatic career in Tel Aviv, Israel. He has since served at Indian missions in Brasilia, Chicago, Dhaka, Geneva, Thimphu and Washington DC. Most recently, he served as India's Ambassador to Bhutan from 2022 to 2025.
He has also held key positions in New Delhi, including Director in the Prime Minister's Office from 2009 to 2011, where he focused on India's engagement with South Asian neighbours, East Asia, the Indo-Pacific region, the Gulf, the Middle East and Africa.
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Dalela served as Director (North) from 2006 to 2007 and later as Joint Secretary (North) in the Ministry of External Affairs from 2016 to 2019, overseeing India's relations with Nepal and Bhutan.
Experience in Trade Policy and Economic Diplomacy
Dalela brings substantial experience in trade and economic policy. He served as Director (Trade Policy) in the Department of Commerce in New Delhi and held two assignments at India's Permanent Mission to the World Trade Organization (WTO). From 2014 to 2016, he served as India's Deputy Permanent Representative to the WTO.
His assignments in the United States have included serving as India's Consul General in Chicago, Minister for Political Affairs from 2011 to 2014, and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC, from 2020 to 2022.
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Currently Handles Economic Relations at MEA
Dalela assumed charge as Secretary (Economic Relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs on September 1, 2025. In this role, he oversees India's economic diplomacy, development partnerships with countries in the Global South, engagement with Africa, multilateral economic relations, and cooperation in emerging strategic technologies.
He also serves as India's Sherpa for BRICS, IBSA and I2U2.
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Before joining the Indian Foreign Service, Dalela earned a bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering.