Vikas Swarup

Vikas Swarup, born on June twenty-third, nineteen sixty-one, is a distinguished Indian writer and retired diplomat who has made significant contributions to both literature and international relations. He is best known for his novel Q & A, which was adapted into the acclaimed film Slumdog Millionaire, a winner of multiple prestigious awards including the Academy Award for Best Film in two thousand nine.

Joining the Indian Foreign Service in nineteen eighty-six, Swarup has held various diplomatic positions across the globe, including in Turkey, the United States, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Japan. His extensive experience culminated in his appointment as the Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs in December two thousand nineteen, where he oversees relations with Europe, Central Asia, and the United Nations.

In addition to his literary success, Swarup has authored other notable works such as Six Suspects and The Accidental Apprentice. His role as the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs began in April two thousand fifteen, where he led the Public Diplomacy divisions in New Delhi, succeeding Syed Akbaruddin.