New Delhi, April 10: India has appointed senior diplomat Pranay Verma as its next Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, with concurrent accreditation to the European Union, in a move that places him at the centre of the country’s evolving engagement with Europe.
The Ministry of External Affairs announced the appointment on April 10, stating that Verma, a 1994-batch Indian Foreign Service officer currently serving as High Commissioner to Bangladesh, will take up the assignment shortly. His new role also includes accreditation to the European Union, positioning him in Brussels as a key representative for India’s diplomatic and economic interests.
Verma will succeed Saurabh Kumar, who completed his tenure earlier this year. During his term, Kumar also held concurrent accreditation to the European Union and Luxembourg, reflecting the strategic importance of the Brussels mission in India’s foreign policy framework.
The appointment comes at a significant juncture in India’s relations with Europe, particularly after the India-European Union free trade agreement reached in January. The agreement is expected to expand bilateral trade by reducing more than 90 per cent of tariffs and covering trade linked to nearly a quarter of global GDP. It is also projected to enhance the competitiveness of Indian exports while reducing the cost of European goods, including automobiles and wines, in the Indian market.
Officials indicate that Verma’s role will be critical in advancing the agreement through the European Parliament. The ratification process involves multiple stages, including legal examination and translation into 27 languages, making diplomatic coordination essential for timely implementation.
The Embassy of India in Brussels, established in 1948, serves as a major diplomatic hub and handles India’s relations with Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union. Verma’s posting is expected to strengthen India’s presence in the region and support broader strategic, political and economic engagements.
With over three decades of diplomatic experience, Verma has previously served as Ambassador to Vietnam and held key positions focusing on East Asia. His background is considered relevant as India continues to diversify its global partnerships and deepen ties across regions.
Currently posted in Dhaka, Verma has been involved in strengthening India’s bilateral relations with Bangladesh. Earlier this week, he met Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and conveyed India’s intent to pursue positive and constructive engagement based on mutual interests. The interaction comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilise and rebuild bilateral ties following recent political developments in Bangladesh.
His transition to Brussels marks a shift to a critical diplomatic assignment, where trade negotiations, strategic cooperation and multilateral engagement with the European Union will be key priorities.
The appointment underscores India’s focus on reinforcing its diplomatic presence in Europe at a time when economic agreements and geopolitical partnerships are gaining increased importance.
