Service: Indian Foreign Service (IFS), 1992 batch
Education: M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi; advanced training in human rights and biological weapons conventions; fluent in French
Current Position: Secretary (South), Ministry of External Affairs (since April 2025)
🏛️ Diplomatic Career
- Served in Indian diplomatic missions abroad, including New York (UN representation), Paris (UNESCO), and Cairo.
- Appointed Ambassador to Italy and San Marino (2020–2024), and actively represented India at FAO, IFAD, WFP, and UNIDROIT during her tenure.
- In headquarters assignments, led divisions covering Indo-Pacific policy, South & East Africa, Passport & Visa services, SAARC affairs, e-Governance & IT, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
- Was selected as India’s next Ambassador to Sweden in late 2024, though she did not assume the post due to personal considerations.
📌 Role as Secretary (South)
Since April 2025, Dr. Malhotra has led the Ministry’s largest regional division—South—which encompasses diplomatic outreach to the Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Africa, and Indian Ocean Rim nations. In this role, she guides India’s partnerships on issues like climate change, food security, maritime cooperation, and sustainable development.
🔬 Academic & Scientific Profile
Before joining the IFS, she advanced agricultural science through doctoral research in plant physiology and published in her field. She is also proficient in French and led Hindi language promotion within the Foreign Ministry.
📝 Summary
Dr. Neena Malhotra brings a rich blend of science and diplomacy to her role, with extensive experience in multilateral representation, ambassadorial duties, and policy leadership. As Secretary (South), she is shaping India’s expanding global engagement across the Southern Hemisphere and beyond.