In the dazzling world of diplomacy, where grit meets grace, Devyani Uttam Khobragade stands as a beacon of resilience, intellect, and unwavering dedication. Appointed as India’s next Ambassador to the Republic of Tunisia in March 2025, this trailblazing Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1999 batch brings a riveting story of triumph, controversy, and transformation to the global stage. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the corridors of power in New Delhi and beyond, her journey is nothing short of cinematic—a tale of a doctor-turned-diplomat who has danced through challenges with poise and purpose.
Born on May 25, 1974, in Tarapur, Maharashtra, Devyani hails from a family rooted in public service and social consciousness. Her father, Uttam Khobragade, a distinguished Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, instilled in her a fierce sense of duty and a passion for justice. Growing up in a Buddhist household from Gadchiroli, she was shaped by values of equality and resilience—principles that would later define her career. Her early years were spent at Mount Carmel High School in Mumbai, where her sharp mind and curiosity began to shine. But it was her pursuit of medicine at King Edward Memorial Hospital and Seth Gordhandas Sunderdas Medical College that revealed her first calling—saving lives. With a medical degree in hand, she could have settled into a comfortable career as a doctor, yet destiny had grander plans.
In 1999, Devyani traded her stethoscope for a passport to the world, joining the elite Indian Foreign Service. What followed was a whirlwind of assignments that showcased her adaptability and brilliance. From Berlin’s historic charm to Islamabad’s tense geopolitics, and from Rome’s cultural splendor to New York’s frenetic energy, she carved a niche as a diplomat with a razor-sharp intellect and a knack for navigating complexity. Her postings weren’t just jobs—they were masterclasses in diplomacy, each one honing her ability to bridge cultures and champion India’s interests.
But it was in 2013, while serving as Deputy Consul General in New York, that Devyani’s name blazed across headlines worldwide. Arrested on charges of visa fraud and perjury related to her domestic help, she found herself at the heart of a diplomatic storm that strained India-US relations. The incident—marked by her arrest, a brief detention, and a media frenzy—could have broken a lesser spirit. Instead, Devyani emerged as a symbol of defiance and dignity. India rallied behind her, with the government pulling out all stops to protect its diplomat, from removing barricades around the US embassy in Delhi to transferring her to a UN post with full immunity. Though indicted by a US grand jury in 2014, she left the country with her head held high, her resolve unshaken.
Back in India, Devyani faced her share of battles—internal inquiries, delayed promotions, and whispers of scandal tied to her family’s involvement in the Adarsh Housing Society case. Yet, like a phoenix, she rose again. Her promotion to Joint Secretary in 2018, after a favorable ruling from the Central Administrative Tribunal, was a testament to her tenacity. By 2020, she was appointed Ambassador to Cambodia, where she didn’t just represent India—she redefined its presence. From facilitating the delivery of 325,000 doses of Covishield vaccines to Prime Minister Hun Sen in 2022 to strengthening Indo-Cambodian ties, she proved her mettle as a leader who delivers.
Now, as she prepares to take the helm in Tunisia, Devyani brings a wealth of experience and a personal story that resonates deeply. Married to Aakash Singh Rathore, an American professor, and mother to two daughters, she’s navigated the complexities of dual citizenship for her children with the same finesse she applies to diplomacy. An author too, her works like The White Sari and The Adventures of Young Ambedkar reveal a soul committed to breaking caste barriers and inspiring the next generation.
Devyani Uttam Khobragade isn’t just a diplomat—she’s a force of nature. Her appointment to Tunisia signals a new chapter for Indo-Tunisian relations, one that promises innovation, cultural exchange, and a touch of that indomitable spirit she’s carried through every storm. With her sharp mind, warm heart, and unyielding courage, she’s ready to paint the Mediterranean shores with the colors of India’s ambition. Watch this space—because wherever Devyani goes, history follows.