Biography

Professor Sanjay Bhattacharyya, Indian Foreign Service (1987-2022), specialised in diplomacy for an era of globalisation and transformative change, boundary and security issues, economic engagement and negotiations. After retirement from government, he has been engaged as an independent consultant in academic, policy advocacy and corporate advisory roles.

As Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (2020-22) he was responsible for the Arab region and Israel, Covid evacuation and relief coordination, passport, consular, emigration and diaspora affairs. He was BRICS Sherpa during India’s Presidency. He served on the Governing Council of Jal Jeevan Mission.

As Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (2022), he advanced bilateral partnership in technology, innovation, investments, initiated academic ties and leveraged Davos diplomacy. As Ambassador to Turkey (2018-20) he promoted economic exchanges and managed the tense bilateral relations. As Ambassador to Egypt and the Arab League (2015-18) he built a strategic partnership with progress in economic and defence exchanges to add to existing cultural relations.

As Joint Secretary (South) (2012-15) he crafted India’s Act East Policy in ASEAN and beyond, coordinated economic diplomacy with ASEAN countries, initiated Indo-Pacific dialogue and structured engagement with Pacific island states. As Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka (2010-12), he was involved in the historic land boundary agreement and building economic linkages; as DCM in Tokyo (2007-10), he facilitated investment flows and elevation of ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership; as DCM in Beijing (2002-05) he oversaw boundary issues and bilateral relations. As a young diplomat, he worked on EU relations in Brussels (1998-2001), as political officer in Beijing (1992-95) and in Hong Kong (1989-92). In HQs, he worked in East Asia, External Publicity, Americas and Finance Divisions.

Ambassador Bhattacharyya contributed a chapter “India and China: New Directions” in Indian Foreign Policy – Challenges and Opportunities (2007), Ministry of External Affairs; an essay “India and Egypt: New Partnership in the New Era” in Asian Perspectives (2017), Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs; an article “India in 21st century” in Indian and Turkish Historical-Cultural Research (2019). He contributed features regularly to Indian and foreign media on foreign policy issues. He lectured extensively at universities, business schools and think tanks in India and abroad on the India story, public policy and governance and foreign policy issues . He has an active social media presence with a wide following.

He studied Economics at St Stephens College (1980-83) and Delhi School of Economics (1983-85); learnt Chinese at Chinese University of Hong Kong; attended a mid-career programme at ISB, Hyderabad; and participated in Strategy and Leadership programme at Cambridge Judge Business School.

His wife is a teacher, author and storyteller. He has a son and a daughter.