Sanjeev Jain (YOA: 2008), currently serving as India’s Ambassador to the Republic of Cabo Verde, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to North Korea, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a release on Monday. In Pyongyang, he will be responsible for managing a complex diplomatic relationship, pursuing dialogue on regional stability, and exploring avenues for constructive engagement between India and North Korea.
India’s decision to reboot ties with North Korea by appointing Sanjeev Jain as the new ambassador is a significant diplomatic signal, as the post has been vacant since 2021.
India is installing the Ambassador to Pyongyang because of several strategic reasons. India is deeply concerned about the long-standing “dangerous nexus” where Pakistani scientists assisted North Korea with nuclear technology in exchange for missile technology. On the other hand, North Korea has recently strengthened ties with Moscow, reportedly sending soldiers to fight for Russia in Ukraine. India needs to be diplomatically engaged with the nation and without a mission chief -that’s impossible.
India shares the goal of a peaceful and tension free Korean region.
India’s relationship dates back to the 1950s, when India acted as a mediator during the Korean War and oversaw the repatriation of prisoners.
In the 1970s, North Korea joined the Non-Aligned Movement, a group co-founded by India. Diplomatic engagement peaked with visits from North Korea’s Vice President and Premier in the 80s and 90s; India’s last major visit was by then Union Minister General V.K. Singh in 2018.
In 2013, India was reportedly North Korea’s third-largest trading partner just behind China and South Korea. The bilateral trade reached $200 million in 2014, most of it ceased following UN sanctions in 2017. There are only 24 foreign missions in Pyongyang, people familiar with the development revealed.
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