In a key foreign policy development, India has tapped seasoned diplomat Ravi Shankar, of the 1995 IFS batch, to lead its mission in Greece. The announcement from New Delhi marks the end of his current tenure as Ambassador to Ukraine, a role he took up in August 2024 amid regional tensions.
Replacing Rudrendra Tandon, who has represented India in Greece since mid-2023, Shankar’s transition highlights his versatility across continents. His illustrious career includes concurrent accreditations in East Africa as High Commissioner to Uganda (2017-2020), doubling as Ambassador to Burundi and High Commissioner to Rwanda.
Shankar’s diplomatic footprint spans Europe and Asia, with assignments at Indian embassies in Rome (2013-2016), Hanoi (2009-2012), Tunis (2000-2004), and Paris (1997-2000). Back home, he spearheaded South East Asia affairs as Additional Secretary (2022-2024), served the President’s office (2020-2022), led the NER Division in 2020, and was Chief Staff to the Minister of State for External Affairs (2006-2009).
India and Greece enjoy deep-rooted ties since 1950, marked by mutual support on core issues like Kashmir, UNSC reform, and Cyprus. PM Modi’s landmark 2023 visit transformed relations into a strategic partnership, reinforced by PM Mitsotakis’s 2026 India tour.
Recent defense milestones include the February 9, 2026, Joint Declaration of Intent between Defense Ministers Rajnath Singh and Nikolaos Dendias, paving the way for industrial ties. As Shankar steps into Athens, he inherits a relationship poised for expansion in trade, security, and culture, promising robust Indo-Hellenic collaboration.
