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Harsh Vardhan Shringla: Profile, Bio, Age, Caste and Family



Harsh Vardhan Shringla: A Diplomatic Stalwart’s Journey

Introduction
Harsh Vardhan Shringla (born Harsh Vardhan Tshering La on 1 May 1962 in Bombay, Maharashtra) is one of India’s most distinguished diplomats, best known for serving as the 33rd Foreign Secretary of India (2020–2022), and for leading India’s G20 presidency in 2023 (Wikipedia). He recently entered the political arena via nomination to the Rajya Sabha (Upper House of India’s Parliament) in July 2025 (The Economic Times).

Early Life & Education

Born to a Sikkimese–Nepali family, Shringla grew up following his father’s government postings across India. His father, Tshering Tenduf La, and mother, Hari Devi Basnet, instilled in him strong values and discipline (Nepali Times). He studied at Mayo College, Ajmer, and earned a B.A. from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi University (Wikipedia). Despite being born “Shringla”—a school‑record version of his family surname Tshering La—he later embraced that version officially (Wikipedia).

Diplomatic Career Highlights

Indian Foreign Service (1984–2022)

Joining the 1984 batch of the IFS, Shringla served at MEA missions in France (UNESCO), the UN (New York), Vietnam, Israel, and South Africa. He later became Joint Secretary at headquarters handling relations with Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Maldives, as well as the UN and SAARC Divisions (Moneycontrol).

Ambassador & High Commissioner Posts

  • Ambassador to Thailand (Jan 2014–Jan 2016) (Wikipedia)

  • High Commissioner to Bangladesh (Jan 2016–Jan 2019), where he helped finalize the India–Bangladesh Land Boundary Agreement, and coordinated visits such as Sheikh Hasina’s 2017 India visit (Wikipedia)

  • Ambassador to the United States (Jan 2019–Jan 2020), during which he was instrumental in planning the historic Howdy Modi event in Houston in September 2019 that saw Prime Minister Modi and President Trump address over 50,000 people (Wikipedia).

Foreign Secretary of India (2020–2022)

Appointed on 29 January 2020, his tenure coincided with pressing global issues:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic, managing international coordination and Indian diaspora issues

  • The India–China Ladakh border tension

  • Fallout from the US withdrawal from Afghanistan

  • The Myanmar coup in 2021, where he emphasized India's interest in restoring democracy and dialog (Wikipedia, Wikipedia).

He stepped down on 30 April 2022, succeeded by Vinay Mohan Kwatra (Wikipedia).

G20 Chair & Beyond

Post-retirement, he was appointed Chief Coordinator for India’s G20 presidency in 2023, driving India’s global leadership during the summit year (Wikipedia).

Recent News & Rajya Sabha Nomination

In July 2025, the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, nominated Harsh Vardhan Shringla to the Rajya Sabha, leveraging constitutional powers to bring eminent professionals into Parliament (India Today). Four appointees included him alongside public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, historian Meenakshi Jain, and social activist C. Sadanandan Master (India Today).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Shringla as an “intellectual and strategic thinker” whose perspectives would strengthen parliamentary discourse (India Today). The nod was celebrated in Darjeeling—his native region—where he’s seen as a Gorkha luminary, recognitions including a road in Bangladesh named after him (The Times of India). He also launched the Darjeeling Welfare Society in 2023 to foster local development and free UPSC coaching for aspirants from the hills (The Times of India).

Shringla has clearly stated he won’t contest Lok Sabha polls, dismissing speculation about a Darjeeling candidacy in 2024 when BJP stuck with incumbent Raju Bista (ThePrint).

Controversies & Criticisms

Although his career is marked by professionalism, a few criticisms have emerged:

Perceived Diplomacy Bias

A 2020 open‑letter criticized his role during Indo‑Bangladesh relations, arguing he avoided addressing contentious issues like Teesta water sharing, alleged human rights violations at the border, and India’s infrastructural trade practices that might harm Bangladesh's interests (Countercurrents).

Policy Nuance in South Asia

While widely respected, some observers feel his statements during the Ladakh standoff and Myanmar coup were too cautious—a common critique when diplomats seek balance over confrontation. (No direct allegation; more general observation from foreign policy analysts.)

Personal Profile

  • Birth: 1 May 1962, Bombay, Maharashtra

  • Family: Married to Hemal Shringla, one son. Aunt Chokila Iyer was India’s first female Foreign Secretary (2001–2002) (Wikipedia).

  • Languages: Fluent in English, Nepali, French, Vietnamese and Indian regional languages

  • Interests: Avid mountaineer (Everest Base Camp, Friendship Peak), hockey player (Stephen’s College colors), liaison officer for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (1996) (Wikipedia).

  • Honors: J.T.M. Gibson Outstanding Alumni Award (Mayo College, 2017); honorary D.Litt by ICFAI University, Sikkim in 2019 (Wikipedia).

He has authored papers on topics like conflict prevention, economic diplomacy, climate change, India–US ties, and written op‑eds in prominent outlets including The New York Times on Kashmir and India‑Bangladesh policy (Wikipedia).

Top Interesting Facts

  1. Although born with surname Tshering La, his official name became Shringla, used throughout his education and diplomatic career.

  2. He coordinated logistics for the Howdy Modi event in the US, a defining moment in India–US engagement.

  3. Under his stint in Bangladesh, a road was named after him in recognition of his work in bilateral ties.

  4. Launched a welfare society in Darjeeling in 2023; involvement even after retirement reflects deep regional bond.

  5. His aunt, Chokila Iyer, preceded him as Foreign Secretary in 2001–02, creating a unique family legacy in the MEA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What roles did Harsh Vardhan Shringla serve in during his diplomatic career?
A: Served as Ambassador to Thailand, High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Ambassador to the US, and Foreign Secretary of India until April 2022 (Wikipedia).

Q: When was he nominated to Rajya Sabha and by whom?
A: He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu, via gazetted notification dated 12–13 July 2025 (India Today).

Q: Has Shringla ever contested elections?
A: No. Though his name was speculated for a Darjeeling Lok Sabha seat, he clarified he would not contest; BJP fielded existing MP Raju Bista instead (ThePrint).

Q: Were there any controversies related to his diplomatic tenure?
A: Critics pointed to a perceived reticence on sensitive issues like Teesta waters or cross‑border rights during his Bangladesh tenure, as detailed in a 2020 open‑letter (Countercurrents).

Q: What languages does he speak?
A: Apart from English and Nepali, Shringla speaks French, Vietnamese, and multiple Indian regional languages (Wikipedia).

Conclusion

Harsh Vardhan Shringla represents a blend of polished diplomacy, strategic insight and continued public service. From spearheading major bilateral events like Howdy Modi, to steering India during global upheavals as Foreign Secretary, and guiding India’s G20 presidency, his contributions span decades. His nomination to the Rajya Sabha in July 2025 marks his transition to political engagement, where his experience promises to enrich policy debates. Despite minor criticisms, his legacy largely reflects diplomatic acumen and deep national commitment.


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