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Vikas Swarup Takes Over as External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson

Vikas Swarup Takes Over as External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson
Vikas Swarup, Indian diplomat and author of the first novel 'Q&A', successfully adapted for the screen as 'Slumdog Millionaire' poses on May 21, 2010 at his hotel in Paris. Swarup's latest book 'The sixth suspect' (Meurtre dans un jardin indien) was released in France on May 6, 2010. AFP PHOTO FRED DUFOUR (Photo credit should read FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images)
FRED DUFOUR via Getty Images
Vikas Swarup, Indian diplomat and author of the first novel 'Q&A', successfully adapted for the screen as 'Slumdog Millionaire' poses on May 21, 2010 at his hotel in Paris. Swarup's latest book 'The sixth suspect' (Meurtre dans un jardin indien) was released in France on May 6, 2010. AFP PHOTO FRED DUFOUR (Photo credit should read FRED DUFOUR/AFP/Getty Images)

Senior diplomat Vikas Swarup, whose debut novel was made into the Oscar-winning movie "Slumdog Millionaire", today assumed charge as spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry.

Swarup, a 1986 batch IFS officer, succeeded Syed Akbaruddin, who has been promoted as Additional Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry, and he will also be the Chief Coordinator for the India-Africa Summit in October.

Both Akbaruddin and Swarup, who had accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his three-nation tour, returned to India on Saturday.

Swarup is the author of internationally acclaimed novel "Q&A," which was made into the movie "Slumdog Millionaire" that won eight Academy Awards in 2009.

Before assuming charge, Swarup was holding the charge of Joint Secretary (United Nations- Political) in the MEA.

On Saturday, Swarup posted these photos with Akbaruddin and Modi on Twitter.

Thank you Akbar!!!

A new inning begins for me. And some big shoes to fill. pic.twitter.com/Ef3Nx4CLWN

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2015

Farewell friends.

@MEAIndia to be with my colleague Vikas Swarup who, as u can see, is fully in the picture

:-) pic.twitter.com/Tza6oUshh4

— Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) April 18, 2015

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This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions or concerns about this article, please contact indiasupport@huffpost.com.