COLOMBO: Santosh Jha, India's new face as the High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, officially took charge his role by presenting his credentials to President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Colombo. Taking over from Gopal Baglay, who now holds the post of India's High Commissioner to Australia, Jha steps into this crucial diplomatic position with a wealth of experience behind him.

Jha, a seasoned diplomat, previously served as India's Ambassador to the European Union, Belgium, and Luxembourg, bringing a global perspective to his new assignment in Colombo.

His extensive career includes a stint as India's Ambassador to Uzbekistan from 2019 to 2020 and as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Washington DC from 2017 to 2019. Within the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, Jha held pivotal roles, overseeing divisions focused on Human Resources and Management Affairs, Relations with Western Europe and the European Union, as well as the Policy Planning Division.

Not a stranger to Sri Lanka, Jha previously contributed significantly during his tenure as a Counsellor at the High Commission in Colombo from 2007 to 2010. His responsibilities primarily revolved around managing commercial and economic affairs, where he played a crucial role in fostering the architecture of India-Sri Lanka development cooperation, as noted in an official release.

This veterandiplomat brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role, indicating a continued and strengthened relationship between India and Sri Lanka in various domains. Jha's credentials and past contributions signify a promising tenure aimed at further enhancing bilateral ties and cooperation between the two nations.

From 2013 to 2017, Ambassador Jha served in key roles within the Ministry of External Affairs. He headed the MEA Division for Human Resources and Management Affairs from July 2013 to September 2014, and subsequently led the MEA Division for Relations with Western Europe and the European Union from October 2014 to April 2015. His appointment as High Commissioner to Sri Lanka underscores his ongoing dedication to promoting India's diplomatic goals worldwide.

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