Amb. M. Rasgotra
President, ORF - Centre for International Relations

Joined ORF
December 2002

Expertise
International Relations

Background
Mr. M. Rasgotra was educated at Government College, Lahore. In September 1949 he joined Indian Foreign Services. In the Pioneering Indian diplomacy, he served with distinction in Indian missions in Washington D.C., Kathmandu and in the Ministry of External Affairs. From 1958 to 1962, he made a notable contribution in the evolution and implementation of India?s policies towards neighbours.

His Ambassadorial career took him to Morocco and Tunisia, the USA, Britain, Nepal, the Netherlands, France and UNESCO. In every post his work has helped advance India?s interests, enhance her image and strengthen her relations with the concerned countries.

His tenure as Foreign Secretary from 1982 to 1985 was marked by a renewal in Indo-American relations, sustained negotiations with Pakistan and a tentative opening to China. He played a significant role in the prestigious events of the period ? the Seventh Non-Aligned Summit, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the Six-Nation Appeal on Nuclear Disarmament and the Six-Nation Summit in New Delhi

After retirement, he was Honorary Visiting Professor in JNU, Regents' Professor at UCLA and President of the Delhi College of Arts & Commerce. He is founder President of the International Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies. Through his numerous articles, lectures and his commentaries on Indian and Foreign electronic media he continues to make an important contribution to national thinking of foreign policy and security related matters.

In recognition of his life-long service to the Nation and achievements of high distinction in diplomacy, Mr. Rasgotra was decorated with the Padma Bhushan award on the Indian Republic Day 2002.

Presently
Mr. Rasgotra is a member of National Security Advisory Board.

E-mail ID: mrasgotra@orfonline.org