Who is he?

Suresh K. Reddy has served as India’s ambassador to Iraq since June 2011. He became India’s first ambassador to the country in 2005 and is credited with having strengthened  Indo-Iraqi ties. Prior to this appointment, he handled India’s economic relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a joint secretary in India’s Ministry of External Affairs. Reddy has been an Indian Foreign Service officer since 1991.

Why is he in the news?

In April 2014, Reddy was announced India’s first ambassador to ASEAN. His appointment was the result of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s resolve to further institutionalize the “strategic Indo-ASEAN partnership,” as announced during the 2013 East Asia Summit.  .

What can we expect?

Reddy already has a sharp understanding of Indo-ASEAN ties given his previous experience of being in charge of the ASEAN portfolio at India’s foreign ministry. India’s interests in ASEAN have grown drastically since the country’s “Look East” policy was first established in 1991, and bilateral trade grew to almost $80 billion in 2013. Reddy will likely focus his efforts on expanding connectivity and trade between ASEAN and India, particularly through India’s underdeveloped northeastern region.