‘Q&A’ Author Vikas Swarup becomes MEA Spokesperson

Senior diplomat and noted writer Vikas Swarup has been appointed as the new official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs ( MEA). He will take over from Syed Akbaruddin on 18 April, 2015.  Akbaruddin is due to be promoted as Additional Secretary.

Mr. Swarup is best known as the author of “Q&A”, a debut novel, which became an international bestseller that was translated into 43 languages. It was subsequently made into the Hollywood film “Slumdog Millionnaire”. The film was released in January 2009 and won Oscars award in eight categories.

The author’s subsequent novels “Six Suspects” and “The Accidental Apprentice” also proved to be runaway hits.

Mr. Swarup joined the Indian Foreign Service, IFS, in 1986 and currently posted in New Delhi as Joint Secretary (United Nations – Political).