Mumbai, August 5: Vishvesh Negi has been appointed as India’s new Ambassador to Iran, effective from August 3. A 2002 batch Indian Foreign Service officer, he will succeed Dr. Mohammad Fateh Ali. Currently serving as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs, Negi has held several significant positions in India’s foreign missions from 2002 to 2022, focusing on bilateral diplomatic responsibilities. In September 2022, he was appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the Ministry of Defence. The India-Iran relationship is crucial due to factors such as energy security, the Chabahar port, regional connectivity, trade, and the strategic positioning of West Asia.