EAM S Jaishankar, Diplomat Community Mourn Passing Of Virander Paul, Indian Envoy To Türkiye

External affairs minister, the diplomatic community and members of Türkiye’s mourned the demise of seasoned Indian diplomat Virander Paul, who was India’s envoy to Türkiye.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar described Paul’s demise as a “great loss” to the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in a post on X. Paul was known for his impactful professional contribution and died in New Delhi on Friday following prolonged illness.

“Deeply grieved at the passing away of Virender Paul, our Ambassador in Türkiye. A great loss to the Indian Foreign Service. Have worked closely with him in his many postings. Always admired his commitment and service and value his many contributions. Deepest condolences to his family. Om Shanti,” the external affairs minister said in a tweet.

A 1991-batch IFS officer, Paul was struggling with health issues for over one-and-a-half years and he breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi this evening, one of his colleagues said, while speaking to news agency PTI.

Paul held a medical degree from AIIMS. Paul is survived by his wife Racheline and two daughters.

“We are deeply saddened at the untimely demise of Ambassador Virander Paul, India’s envoy to Türkiye. A dedicated officer, he will always be remembered for his exceptional human qualities and impactful professional contribution,” external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a message posted on social media site X.

“Our heartfelt condolences to his family. Team @MEAIndia stands with them in this difficult hour,” he said on X.

Before his appointment as India’s ambassador to Türkiye in the second half of 2022, he served as India’s High Commissioner to Kenya and Ambassador to Somalia. Prior to these roles, he was an additional secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, focusing on multilateral engagement in India’s neighbourhood.

Academic Omair Anas of the Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University also in a tweet grieved the passing of the diplomat and highlighted his contribution to India and Türkiye relations.

“With a heavy heart, I say my final goodbye to the Indian Ambassador to Türkiye, Dr. Virander Kumar Paul who has died today after an illness. A loving and caring guardian of the Indian community in Turkey and an ardent defender of India-Turkey friendship will be hugely missed. Rest in Peace, Excellency!” Anas said in a message on X.

He also held the position of joint secretary at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, a premier institution for training Indian and foreign diplomats.

In his illustrious career, Paul also served as deputy high commissioner of India in London (2013-2016), Minister (Press) at the Indian Embassy in Washington (2010-2013), Director in the Prime Minister’s Office during 2007-2010, and Counsellor (Political) at the Indian Embassy in Moscow from 2003-2007.

He also held diplomatic positions in the Indian missions in Almaty, Vladivostok, Rome and St. Petersburg. During his other previous stints at the Ministry of External Affairs Headquarters, he served in Europe East and Americas Divisions.