Deepak Mittal Appointed India’s Ambassador to UAE

India has appointed senior diplomat Deepak Mittal as the next ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Mittal, an experienced officer with decades of service in foreign affairs, is currently working as an officer on special duty in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). He is expected to take up his new assignment in the UAE shortly, marking another important step in India’s diplomatic relations with West Asia.

Early Career and Experience

Deepak Mittal belongs to the 1998 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS). Over the years, he has gained extensive experience in handling complex international relations, especially concerning countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan. Mittal has served in multiple capacities in the PMO under Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His earlier stints in the PMO include the period between 2014 and 2017, where he worked as a director, and more recently, as an officer on special duty.

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Mittal also served as India’s ambassador to Qatar from 2020 to 2022. During his tenure in Qatar, he dealt with sensitive diplomatic issues, including India’s first formal engagement with the Taliban after they took control of Afghanistan in August 2021.

Role in Pakistan and Afghanistan Affairs

One of Mittal’s notable achievements was leading the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran desk between 2018 and 2020. During this period, he handled critical matters related to India’s interests in the region. He was part of the team that worked on opening the Kartarpur Corridor, which allows Indian citizens to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, without a visa. This initiative was considered a major step in promoting cultural and religious ties between the two countries.

In addition, Mittal played a key role in defending Kulbhushan Jadhav, an Indian national sentenced to death in Pakistan, at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. This was a high-profile case that drew international attention, and Mittal’s involvement was crucial in representing India’s stance at the global level.

Diplomatic Engagement with the Taliban

During his assignment in Qatar, Mittal led India’s first official diplomatic contact with the Taliban. He met Sher Mohammed Abbas Stanekzai, the head of the Taliban’s political office in Doha, to discuss important issues. The discussions included the safe return of Indian nationals still in Afghanistan and concerns over Afghan territory being used for anti-India activities. Mittal’s engagement with the Taliban helped maintain communication channels between India and the new Afghan administration, a delicate task given the regional security concerns.

Securing the Release of Indian Navy Veterans

Another significant achievement during Mittal’s time in Qatar was his involvement in the release of eight Indian Navy veterans. These veterans were arrested in Qatar in 2023 and sentenced to death on alleged espionage charges. Through diplomatic efforts led by Mittal, their death sentences were later commuted, and the veterans were safely released in February 2024. This operation highlighted Mittal’s ability to handle sensitive situations involving the safety and security of Indian citizens abroad.

Importance of UAE for India

The UAE has become one of India’s most important strategic partners in West Asia. It is a key energy supplier and a hub for trade and investment. The UAE is also home to over 3.5 million Indian nationals, making it one of the largest Indian expatriate communities in the world. The appointment of a seasoned diplomat like Mittal underscores India’s focus on strengthening diplomatic and economic relations with the UAE.

Deepak Mittal’s appointment as India’s ambassador to the UAE comes at a crucial time. His extensive experience in handling sensitive international matters, including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Gulf region, positions him well to manage India’s interests in the UAE. With strong diplomatic skills and a proven track record, Mittal is expected to play a key role in deepening India-UAE relations, ensuring the safety of Indian citizens, and promoting India’s strategic and economic interests in the region.