New Delhi: President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday accepted the credentials of newly appointed envoys from Mauritania, Luxembourg, Canada, and Slovenia at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
A statement from the President’s office said Ahmedou Sidi Mohamed presented his credentials as Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Christian Biever as Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Christopher Cooter as Canada’s High Commissioner, and Tomaz Mencin as Ambassador of the Republic of Slovenia.
The credential presentation marks the formal beginning of their diplomatic assignments in India. By submitting their letters to the Head of State, the envoys officially assume office.
India shares strong ties with all four countries, spanning trade, education, technology, and cultural exchanges. The arrival of the new envoys is expected to deepen bilateral cooperation further.
The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that India and Luxembourg enjoy warm relations based on “mutual understanding and cooperation” at both bilateral and multilateral levels. Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1948, and Luxembourg opened its embassy in New Delhi in 2002—one of only five in Asia. The country also maintains Honorary Consuls in Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
On Canada, the appointment comes after months of strained ties with India. In August, Canada’s Foreign Minister announced Christopher Cooter as the new High Commissioner to India, succeeding Cameron MacKay. The move followed discussions between Prime Ministers Mark Carney and Narendra Modi at the G7 Summit in June, where both sides agreed to appoint new envoys. The step is seen as vital in restoring essential diplomatic services for citizens and businesses in both countries.
