In the vibrant tapestry of Indian diplomacy, few threads shine as brightly as Sanjiv Ranjan, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer whose remarkable journey has now led him to the prestigious role of Secretary General of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). Appointed on January 1, 2025, Ranjan’s ascent to this pivotal position is a testament to his three decades of dedication, sharp intellect, and an unwavering commitment to fostering international harmony. With a career that spans continents, cultures, and critical global challenges, Ranjan is poised to navigate the 23-nation IORA toward a future of sustainable growth, economic collaboration, and regional stability.
Born with an innate curiosity for the world, Sanjiv Ranjan laid the foundation of his illustrious career with a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Honours) from the prestigious Delhi University. His academic journey didn’t stop there—he pursued a Master’s in International Relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, a crucible for India’s brightest minds. These early years honed his analytical prowess and ignited a passion for diplomacy, setting the stage for his entry into the Indian Foreign Service in 1993.
Ranjan’s diplomatic odyssey began with a whirlwind of assignments that showcased his versatility and adaptability. From 1995 to 2009, he left his mark across the globe, serving in Indian embassies in Madrid and Lima, and at the Permanent Mission of India in New York. In Madrid, he immersed himself in the rich tapestry of Spanish culture, mastering the language—a skill that would later prove invaluable. In Lima, he navigated the complexities of Latin American geopolitics, building bridges between India and Peru. His tenure in New York placed him at the heart of multilateral diplomacy, where he tackled global issues with finesse, earning a reputation as a diplomat of exceptional caliber.
A defining chapter in Ranjan’s career unfolded between 2006 and 2009, when he served as Deputy High Commissioner of India to Mauritius. This role was more than just a posting—it was a homecoming of sorts to the Indian Ocean region, where he deepened ties between India and Mauritius and sowed the seeds for regional cooperation. His time in Mauritius foreshadowed his future leadership of IORA, giving him an intimate understanding of the Indian Ocean’s strategic and economic heartbeat.
Back in New Delhi, Ranjan’s star continued to rise. In 2009, he took on the role of Director (North) in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), steering India’s policies with a steady hand. By 2012, he had ascended to Joint Secretary in the Development Partnership Administration, where he orchestrated transformative projects across India’s neighborhood. His crowning achievement during this period was coordinating the third India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015—a diplomatic triumph that amplified India’s voice on the African continent and showcased Ranjan’s knack for orchestrating large-scale international collaboration.
The ambassadorial phase of Ranjan’s career was nothing short of spectacular. From 2016 to 2019, he served as India’s Ambassador to Argentina, with concurrent accreditation to Uruguay and Paraguay. His tenure was marked by a flurry of trade initiatives, cultural exchanges, and strengthened bilateral ties—proof of his ability to turn diplomatic postings into thriving partnerships. From 2019 to 2022, he took the helm as Ambassador to Colombia, also overseeing relations with Ecuador. Here, Ranjan’s fluency in Spanish and his deep understanding of Latin American dynamics cemented India’s presence in the region, leaving an indelible legacy.
Most recently, Ranjan served as Officer on Special Duty (Secretary Rank) in the MEA, where he tackled the intricate challenges of personnel management, establishment, and e-governance. This role sharpened his administrative acumen, preparing him for the monumental task of leading IORA’s Secretariat in Mauritius—a position he assumed with a three-year mandate starting January 1, 2025.
Fluent in English, Hindi, and Spanish, Ranjan is a polyglot diplomat whose linguistic versatility mirrors his ability to connect with diverse cultures. His appointment as Secretary General of IORA is a natural culmination of his career—a role where he will champion economic cooperation, maritime security, and sustainable development among the Indian Ocean’s 23 member states and 12 dialogue partners. With India set to assume the IORA Chairmanship from Sri Lanka in 2025, Ranjan’s leadership promises to amplify India’s maritime vision while fostering unity across this vital region.
Sanjiv Ranjan is more than a diplomat—he’s a visionary architect of global partnerships. His journey from the classrooms of Delhi to the helm of IORA is a saga of resilience, brilliance, and an unrelenting drive to make the world a more connected place. As he steps into this dynamic role, the Indian Ocean Rim braces for a new era of collaboration under a leader whose heart beats for diplomacy and whose mind is set on progress.