New Delhi, India – Shri Abhay Kumar, Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has been appointed as India’s Ambassador to the Republic of Azerbaijan, marking a new chapter in his distinguished diplomatic career. Widely regarded as a scholar-diplomat, his appointment is seen as recognition of his long-standing contributions to India’s global engagement and cultural diplomacy.
Shri Abhay Kumar is also known for his scholarly work, particularly his widely acclaimed book Nalanda: How It Changed the World. The book, noted for its lucid narrative and global outlook, explores the far-reaching influence of Nalanda on education, philosophy, science, and cross-cultural exchanges across Asia.
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It has been extensively discussed in academic forums, literary festivals, and cultural diplomacy platforms, earning praise from scholars, diplomats, and general readers alike for reviving global awareness of Nalanda’s civilisational legacy. The book was launched at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, where several eminent scholars participated in the event.
A 2003-batch IFS officer, Shri Abhay Kumar has served India in several key diplomatic roles, including as Ambassador to Madagascar and the Union of Comoros, and as Deputy Ambassador to Brazil. He is currently serving as Deputy Director General at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), New Delhi, where he has played an important role in strengthening India’s cultural outreach and people-to-people ties worldwide.
Beyond diplomacy, he is an accomplished poet, translator, and artist. His literary contributions have earned him several prestigious honours, including the SAARC Literary Award (2013), the Kalinga Literature Festival Award (2022), and the Bharat Shiksha Samman (2025). His recent work, Hanuman Chalisa in English, has further expanded the global reach of India’s spiritual and literary heritage.
Observers express confidence that Shri Abhay Kumar’s unique blend of diplomatic expertise, literary sensibility, and cultural vision will contribute significantly to deepening India–Azerbaijan relations and enhancing mutual understanding between the two countries.
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