Deepak Mittal Appointed as India’s Next Ambassador to UAE

Senior Indian diplomat Dr. Deepak Mittal, who earlier served as India’s Ambassador to Qatar and held a key position in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said: “Dr. Deepak Mittal appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the United Arab Emirates. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.”

Deepak Mittal’s diplomatic journey

A 1998-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Mittal has held several crucial assignments. After completing his tenure in Doha in March 2023, he joined the PMO as Officer on Special Duty. He had taken charge as India’s envoy to Qatar in August 2020.

During his diplomatic career, Mittal also headed the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran (PAI) desk in the MEA. In this role, he was part of the Indian team that represented the country at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Kulbhushan Jadhav case at The Hague.

Strengthening India-UAE ties

Mittal’s appointment as Ambassador to the UAE comes at a time when India-UAE relations are witnessing unprecedented growth. Abu Dhabi is a key strategic and economic partner for New Delhi, with bilateral trade crossing record levels and cooperation expanding in sectors such as defense, energy, technology, and investment.

The UAE also plays a vital role in India’s broader engagement with the Gulf region, making Mittal’s posting a significant step in deepening strategic ties.

Key role in Qatar and Taliban talks

Mittal’s tenure in Qatar was marked by several critical developments. Following the Taliban takeover of Kabul in August 2021, he held discussions in Doha with Taliban representatives regarding the safe evacuation of Indian nationals. Qatar served as a key interlocutor at that time, hosting talks between the Taliban and delegations from multiple countries.

He is also reported to have played a behind-the-scenes role in securing the release of eight Indian Navy veterans arrested in Qatar in 2023 on espionage charges. Initially sentenced to death, the men were released in 2024 in what was seen as a major diplomatic success for India.

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