HB Tamrakar,Kathmandu, Nepal – In a region shaped by centuries-old civilizational ties and evolving geopolitical interests, His Excellency Mr. Naveen Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Nepal, stands as a seasoned and visionary diplomat at the helm of one of South Asia’s most significant bilateral relationships.
Assuming charge on 25 June 2022, Ambassador Srivastava brought with him not only an impressive career in diplomacy but also a nuanced understanding of regional affairs and global dynamics. A 1993-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, his journey across pivotal global postings has made him a valuable custodian of India’s foreign policy interests—particularly in the Indo-Pacific and South Asian theatres.
Ambassador Srivastava began his diplomatic journey in Hong Kong, followed by a crucial role at the Embassy of India in Beijing, focusing on India-China bilateral relations during a particularly sensitive era. His tenure in Washington DC (2009–2012) as Counsellor (Political) added depth to his experience in handling major power diplomacy. Later, as Consul General of India in Shanghai (2012–2015), he became an influential figure in strengthening India’s economic outreach in China’s financial hub.
Perhaps most notably, he served as India’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Cambodia (2015–2017), where he promoted India’s cultural diplomacy and developmental cooperation in Southeast Asia. His international leadership credentials were further cemented with his appointment as Director General and Corporate Secretary of the New Development Bank (NDB), Shanghai from 2017 to 2019. There, he worked alongside the President and Board of the multilateral institution, facilitating development financing among BRICS nations.
In New Delhi, his leadership extended to key policy areas. From the Disarmament & International Security Affairs Division to the Office of the Foreign Secretary, he gained crucial experience in strategic affairs. Most recently, before his current posting, he led the East Asia Division in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), overseeing India’s complex and multifaceted relations with China, Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, and North Korea.
Academically, Ambassador Srivastava’s credentials are no less impressive. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. He went on to pursue a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland, USA, a rare blend of technical expertise and diplomatic acumen that distinguishes him in the global diplomatic landscape.
Since his arrival in Nepal, Ambassador Srivastava has worked tirelessly to advance India-Nepal ties across sectors—be it infrastructure development, cultural exchange, education, health cooperation, or cross-border connectivity. His approach balances strategic interests with people-to-people harmony, fostering an enduring partnership rooted in mutual respect and shared prosperity.
As Nepal and India navigate the 21st-century challenges together, His Excellency Mr. Naveen Srivastava continues to be a trusted architect of bilateral goodwill—a true envoy of regional peace, partnership, and progress.
