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Sanjay Kumar Verma

Sanjay Kumar Verma (born 28 July 1965) is a senior Indian diplomat and a member of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Joining the service in 1988, he has held prominent positions, including India's High Commissioner to Canada (November 2022 – October 2024)[1], Ambassador to Japan (January 2019 – October 2022)[2] with concurrent accreditation to the Marshall Islands (February 2019 – October 2022)[3], and Ambassador to Sudan (February 2013 – August 2015)[4]. He has contributed to India’s foreign relations, multilateral engagements, cyber diplomacy, and international security.

Early Life and Education

Sanjay Kumar Verma was born in Patna, Bihar, India, in 1965, into a family with roots in public service. His father, a civil engineer, worked for the state government, resulting in Verma's early education across several towns in Bihar, including Patna, Daltonganj, and Latehar.

He attended the prestigious Netarhat Residential School, where he studied for seven years. Verma excelled academically, ranking 7th in the Bihar State Secondary Examination Board in 1981 and securing 2nd position in the Intermediate examination in the state in 1983. He completed Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Mathematics, and Statistics from Science College, Patna. In 1986, he enrolled at the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi to pursue an M.Sc. in Physics [5]. His academic interests included thin film optics, fusion energy, and renewable energy technologies.

Diplomatic Career

Early Assignments

Verma joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1988, with early postings in Indian missions in Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, and Türkiye. These assignments emphasized economic diplomacy, cultural exchange, and strengthening bilateral relations.

From October 2010 to February 2013, he served as the Consul General of India in Milan, Italy, fostering trade, investment, and engagement with the Indian diaspora in northern Italy.

Ambassadorial Posts

• Ambassador to Sudan (2013–2015): Represented India during a critical phase in Sudan, fortifying bilateral ties and addressing challenges in a complex regional landscape[4].
• Ambassador to Japan (2019–2022): Strengthened India-Japan cooperation in trade, technology, and cultural exchange. His tenure also included concurrent accreditation as Ambassador to the Marshall Islands[2].

High Commissioner to Canada (2022–2024) [1]

In November 2022, Verma was appointed as India’s High Commissioner to Canada, a role he held until October 2024. His tenure in Canada was marked by efforts to strengthen economic and technological ties between the two nations. Verma also supported Indian companies expanding abroad and foreign companies investing in India, focusing on regulatory facilitation and fostering cross-cultural business understanding.

During his time in Canada, Verma faced significant security challenges from Khalistani extremist groups and their anti-India activities. His steadfast approach to protecting India's security and diplomatic interests was widely commended.

Contributions at the Ministry of External Affairs

In his roles within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Verma contributed to multiple key areas:

• Cyber Diplomacy: Headed the Cyber Diplomacy Division, negotiating cyber agreements with countries like the United States, Russia, and Australia. He also served as MEA’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), ensuring secure digital infrastructure.
• Multilateral Engagements: Actively shaped India's policies in organizations such as the WTO, IBSA, BRICS, BIMSTEC, ASEAN, and G-77.
• Global Estates Management: Managed the acquisition, renovation, and maintenance of Indian government properties abroad.
• Human Resource Management: As Additional Secretary, he oversaw HR, physical and cyber security, budgeting, management and auditing of MEA missions worldwide.

Focus on Economic and Technological Cooperation

Throughout his career, Verma has been committed to fostering international trade and technology collaborations. He worked with global enterprises from Italy, Japan, and Canada to enhance their presence in India, while also assisting Indian businesses in expanding internationally. His approach emphasized cultural adaptability and understanding foreign business practices.

Personal Life

Sanjay Kumar Verma is married and has 2 children. He is known for his interest in field sports. His commitment to innovation and sustainability has influenced his diplomatic initiatives.

Legacy and Recognition

Verma's diplomatic career is notable for his contributions to cyber diplomacy, multilateral policy-making, and strengthening India's global presence. His resilience in navigating challenges posed by extremist threats during his tenure in Canada and Italy earned him recognition. In October 2024, he was felicitated with Distinguished Global IITian Award in Toronto.

References

1. Shri Sanjay Kumar Verma appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to Canada – Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
2. Sanjay Kumar Verma appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Japan – MEA.
3. Concurrent accreditation as Ambassador to the Marshall Islands – MEA.
4. Shri Sanjay K. Verma appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Sudan – MEA.
5. Physics Department, IIT Delhi – Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi.