New Delhi, India – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has appointed Abhishek Shukla, a 2006-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and currently serving as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Beijing, as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Serbia. The accomplished diplomat is expected to assume his new responsibilities shortly.
Mr. Shukla’s diplomatic journey spans over a decade, with assignments in China, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and at India’s MEA headquarters. His career reflects a strong blend of economic diplomacy, political engagement, protocol management, and multilateral coordination.
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Key Diplomatic Assignments
China (2008–2013): Mr. Shukla began his international career in Beijing, studying Mandarin at the China Foreign Affairs University. He served as Third, Second, and First Secretary, focusing on trade and economic relations, facilitating Indian businesses in China, and promoting Chinese investments in India’s priority sectors, including infrastructure, IT, and manufacturing.
United Kingdom (2013–2015): In London, he served as First Secretary (Political) at the High Commission of India, overseeing parliamentary engagement and political liaison work, while also acting as Staff Officer to the High Commissioner and managing high-level diplomatic initiatives.
Protocol Division, MEA (2015–2017): On returning to New Delhi, Mr. Shukla was appointed Deputy Chief of Protocol (Ceremonials), coordinating high-profile foreign visits and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official trips to the United States, Germany, Japan, and China. He played a key role in hosting the 2016 BRICS Summit in Goa, which, for the first time, brought BIMSTEC leaders alongside BRICS member states, showcasing India’s growing multilateral influence.
Consul General, Cape Town, Serving as Consul General of India in Cape Town, South Africa, Mr. Shukla strengthened India’s outreach in southern Africa through cultural, commercial, and diaspora engagement.
Deputy Chief of Mission, Beijing (2023–Present): Returning to China in July 2023, he assumed charge as Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Beijing, a key position amidst evolving Indo-China dynamics.
Personal Background
Hailing from Uttar Pradesh, Mr. Shukla is married to Saloni Shukla, a former banker who transitioned into education. The couple has a son.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening India-Serbia Relations
As India’s new Ambassador to Serbia, Mr. Shukla will represent New Delhi’s interests in a strategically positioned European nation with deep historical ties through the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). His appointment is expected to enhance bilateral cooperation in diplomacy, trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange.
With wide-ranging experience across four continents and a proven track record in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, Mr. Shukla is well-positioned to further consolidate India–Serbia relations in the coming years.
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