Vikas Swarup to be new spokesperson of External Affairs Ministry

The Hollywood movie Slumdog Millionaire which won eight Oscar’s was based on Mr. Swarup’s successful debut novel "Q&A".

Vikas Swarup

Senior Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer and noted novelist Vikas Swarup of Slumdog Millionaire- fame will be the new spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs, ministry sources informed.

 He is set to take over on April 18. Mr. Swarup is currently working as Joint Secretary (UN-Political) in the Ministry in New Delhi.

The Hollywood movie

Slumdog Millionaire which won eight Oscar’s was based on Mr. Swarup’s successful debut novel “Q&A”.

 Syed Akbaruddin, the current spokesperson, is to be promoted as additional secretary and has been appointed as “Chief Coordinator” of the Indo-Africa Forum Summit.

 The third edition of the summit is scheduled to take place in India on October 29. Reflecting the government’s drive for increased engagement with Africa, this year’s summit is likely to see participation of all 54 African countries.

 The role of spokesperson has become very critical with the new government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a diplomatic overdrive and a big jump in bilateral and multilateral engagements.