Service: Indian Foreign Service (IFS), 1989 batch
Education: M.A. in Political Science, Jawaharlal Nehru University
Current Position: Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs (since March 2020)
🌍 Career Overview
- Began his diplomatic career with postings in Mexico, Cuba, and Brussels.
- At MEA HQ, he served in West Europe and UN divisions, and later as Private Secretary to the Minister of Tourism & Culture.
- Appointed Joint Secretary (Latin America & Caribbean) in MEA (2009–2013).
- Served as Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce (2014–2020), handling India’s trade policy, WTO matters (including RCEP and disputes), and multilateral trade forums.
- Rejoined MEA in March 2020 as Additional Secretary during the COVID period; promoted to Secretary (Economic Relations).
đź“Ś Key Responsibilities & Contributions
As Secretary (Economic Relations), Shri Ravi leads India’s global economic diplomacy:
- Manages trade and investment dialogues with multilateral bodies (G20, BRICS, SCO, APEC, Commonwealth, IORA).
- Heads India’s economic engagement strategy in Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and the Global South.
- Chaired India’s delegation at the G20 Development Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil (Jul 2024), spotlighting flagship missions like Swachh Bharat, Jal Jeevan Mission, and AMRUT.
- Represents India at SCO foreign ministers’ meetings, including in Kazakhstan (May 2024).
- Led development cooperation dialogues in Africa—visiting Ethiopia (2022, 2025) and East Africa (Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya in Apr 2024).
- Engaged with the UN Economic Commission for Africa to promote trade integration, digital infrastructure, and capacity building.
- Advocates India’s role in global digital public infrastructure and fintech rulemaking alongside institutions like World Bank and IMF.
- Oversees trade dialogues on local currency usage and bilateral lines of credit with countries like Tanzania.
- Promotes India–EU connectivity partnerships, sustainable infrastructure, and trade-technology cooperation globally.
đź“ť Summary
Shri Dammu Ravi is a leading architect of India’s economic diplomacy. His work spans trade negotiations, development cooperation, digital infrastructure, and Global South partnerships. As Secretary (Economic Relations), he strengthens India’s voice in global economic platforms and fosters strategic economic ties across continents.