New Delhi, March 4, 2025 – The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has announced the appointment of Ashish Sinha as India’s next Ambassador to the Republic of Estonia. Sinha, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 2005 batch, currently serves as Joint Secretary in the MEA and is expected to assume his new role in Tallinn shortly.
In an official press release, the MEA stated, “Ashish Sinha (IFS: 2005), presently Joint Secretary in the Ministry, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Estonia. He is expected to take up the assignment shortly.” Sinha’s appointment marks a significant step in reinforcing India’s diplomatic ties with Estonia, a nation with which India has maintained cordial relations since recognizing its independence on September 9, 1991, and establishing diplomatic relations on December 2 of the same year.
Sinha brings a wealth of experience to this role, having served in key positions within the MEA and abroad. Notably, he was Joint Secretary (Summits) and Joint Secretary (G20-Substantive) during India’s G20 Presidency, showcasing his expertise in high-stakes international diplomacy. His prior postings include Deputy High Commissioner of India to Kenya, India’s Deputy Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat in Nairobi, and Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations in New York, where he handled economic and social affairs.
The appointment comes at a time of growing bilateral engagement between India and Estonia. Just last month, on February 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Estonian President Alar Karis on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris. The leaders discussed deepening cooperation in trade, technology, and culture, with Modi noting on X, “India’s ties with Estonia are growing remarkably over the years.” Sinha’s tenure is expected to build on this momentum, leveraging Estonia’s advancements in digital innovation and India’s expanding global influence.
India’s diplomatic presence in Estonia has evolved significantly, with the country previously accredited to Finland until the establishment of a dedicated embassy in Tallinn. Sinha succeeds Ajaneesh Kumar (IFS: 1996), who served as Ambassador to Estonia since March 11, 2022, before his recent appointment as Ambassador to Argentina in January 2025.
As of today, March 9, 2025, Sinha’s appointment has been widely welcomed, with posts on X reflecting optimism about his ability to strengthen Indo-Estonian relations. With his extensive diplomatic background and the backdrop of warming ties, Sinha is poised to play a pivotal role in advancing mutual interests between the two nations.