Gopal Baglay appointed new spokesperson of MEA as his predecessor heads to Canada

New Delhi: Gopal Baglay, a 1992 batch IFS officer, on Monday appointed as the new spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

In his last role, Baglay headed the MEA territorial division of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran.

"Delighted to take over as official spokesperson. Hope to have your cooperation in continuing the high traditions set by my predecessors," Baglay said.

On his last day in office on Monday, his predecessor Vikas Swarup wished him all the best and said his successor will take that role to the next level.

“Today I bid farewell as the official spokesperson, an extraordinary privilege and honour! You can follow me in my new role on @VikasSwarup,” he tweeted.

“I wish my successor Gopal Baglay all the best for the new assignment. He will take MEA communications to the next level, online & offline!” Swarup tweeted.

Swarup, a 1986 batch IFS officer, has been appointed as the High Commissioner of India to Canada.

Earlier, Baglay handled the media as press counsellor at the Indian embassy in Kathmandu, as well as director in the external publicity division of MEA.

He also had a brief stint as deputy high commissioner to Pakistan.