Press Release issued by the External Affairs Ministry on
new Indian Ambassador to the United States and Foreign Secretary

New Delhi
December 23, 2000

Shri Lalit Mansingh, Foreign Secretary, is appointed as Ambassador of India to the United States of America in succession to Shri Naresh Chandra.

He will take up his assignment early next year.

Smt. Chokila Iyer, currently Ambassador of India to Ireland, is appointed as Foreign Secretary. She will succeed Shri Lalit Mansingh.

Smt. Chokila Iyer will have the distinction of being the first woman Foreign Secretary of India.