Vikram Doraiswami Appointed as India’s Next Ambassador to China

Senior diplomat Vikram Doraiswami has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to China.

He is currently serving as India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

He will succeed Pradeep Kumar Rawat.

He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.

About Vikram Doraiswami

Joined Indian Foreign Service in 1992.

Previously served as:

Ambassador to South Korea, Uzbekistan

High Commissioner to Bangladesh

Has experience in China-related diplomacy and speaks Chinese language.

Worked in India’s Permanent Mission to the UN (New York).

India–China Relations

Border dispute along Line of Actual Control (LAC)

China is India’s largest trading partner (goods trade)

Important Terms

Ambassador → Diplomatic representative to a country

High Commissioner → Diplomat between Commonwealth countries

China:

Capital: Beijing

Currency: Renminbi

President: Xi Jinping

Geography

Located in East Asia

World’s 3rd largest country (by area)

Shares borders with 14 countries (highest in world along with Russia)

Important rivers:

Yangtze (longest in Asia)

Yellow River (Huang He)

Economy

2nd largest economy in the world (after USA)

Major sectors:

Manufacturing (world’s factory)

Technology

Exports

Member of:

BRICS

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

World Trade Organization

International Initiatives

Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) – Global infrastructure project

String of Pearls Strategy – Maritime influence in Indian Ocean