Sanjay Bhattacharyya, Indian Foreign Service (1987), specialised in diplomacy for an era of globalisation and transformation, boundary negotiations, security issues, economic engagement, cultural diplomacy, public diplomacy and public policy. He led government’s policy-making on Act East, Arab/Israel affairs, diaspora engagement and governance.

After retirement, January 2023, he has been an independent consultant.  He pursued his interests in academic, advocacy and advisory capacities.  He conducts a course on “Rise of China” at OP Jindal Global University and lectures regularly on governance, public policy and foreign affairs at government (Sushma Swaraj Institute for Foreign Service, National Centre for Good Governance) and corporate training institutions. He contributes commentaries and opinion pieces to newspapers and journals; speaks at universities, think tanks (RIS, ORF), chambers of commerce and on national TV, and has an active social media presence. He serves as an Independent Director on the Board of a company and advises others in the corporate sector.

As Secretary in Ministry of External Affairs (2020-22) he was responsible for Arab/Israel region, Covid evacuation, governance of passport, emigration and diaspora affairs. He was BRICS Sherpa during India’s Presidency. He served as Trustee of Rashtriya Jal Jeevan Kosh. 

As Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein (2022), he advanced partnerships in technology, innovation and investments; initiated academic ties; and leveraged Davos diplomacy. As Ambassador to Turkey (2018-20) he promoted economic and infrastructure cooperation and managed tense bilateral relations. As Ambassador to Egypt and the Arab League (2015-18) he built political understanding to forge a strategic partnership with focus on economic and defence exchanges, opening new markets for India. 

As Joint Secretary (South) (2012-15) he crafted India’s Act East Policy, coordinated economic diplomacy with ASEAN countries, Indo-Pacific dialogue and engagement with Pacific island states. As Deputy High Commissioner in Dhaka (2010-12), he was involved in the historic Land Boundary Agreement and lines of credit for Indian projects; as DCM in Tokyo (2007-10), he facilitated investment flows and our strategic partnership; as DCM in Beijing (2002-05) he oversaw boundary issues and bilateral relations. 

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). As Ambassador, he contributed essays to Indian and foreign media on foreign policy issues; and lectured at universities, business schools and think tanks in India and abroad on the India story and foreign affairs.