Lalit Mansingh

Lalit Mansingh taught at Utkal University before joining the Indian Foreign Service in 1963. His training in history and political science preceded a career that included the embassies in Kabul, Brussels, and Washington and leadership of India's missions in the United Arab Emirates, Nigeria, and Britain. In Delhi he worked on economic affairs, directed the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and headed the Foreign Service Institute. ¹

Mansingh served as foreign secretary before returning to Washington as ambassador in 2001. His early discussions with Secretary of State Colin Powell addressed the future of the bilateral relationship. A Senate welcome in April recorded the Bush administration's intention to build on the exchanges of visits and cooperation established during the preceding year. ^{1, 2}

After retirement, Mansingh taught diplomats, advised the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and participated in unofficial regional dialogues. His work included the Ottawa Dialogue involving India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, the International Buddhist Confederation, and the Kalinga International Foundation. ^{1, 3}