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{{Short description|Indian diplomat (born 1943)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2013}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2015}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
|name         = Kanwal Sibal
| name               = Kanwal Sibal
|image        = The_Indian_Ambassador_to_Russia_Mr._Kanwal_Sibal_exchanging_the_signed_document_on_Intellectual_Property_Rights_in_the_presence_of_the_Prime_Minister,_Dr._Manmohan_Singh_and_the_President_of_Russia,_Mr._Vladimir_Putin,_in_Moscow.jpg
| honorific-prefix    = [[Padma Shri]] ([[Doctor (title)|Dr.]])
|birth_date   =  
| honorific-suffix    = [[Indian Foreign Service|IFS]] (Retd.)
|birth_place   =  
| image              = Kanwal Sibal.jpg
|office       = 24th [[Foreign Secretary (India)|Foreign Secretary of India]]
| birth_date         = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1943|11|18}}
|term_start    = 12 March 2001
| birth_place         =  
|term_end      = 29 June 2002
| office             = 24th [[Foreign Secretary (India)|Foreign Secretary of India]]
|primeminister = [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]]
| term_end        = 19 November 2003
|predecessor   = [[Chokila Iyer]]
| term_start          = 29 June 2002
|successor     = [[Shashank (diplomat)|Shashank]]
| primeminister       = [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]]
|occupation   = Diplomat
| predecessor         = [[Chokila Iyer]]
| successor           = [[Shashank (diplomat)|Shashank]]
| occupation         = Diplomat
| office2            = [[Chancellor]] of the [[Jawaharlal Nehru University]]
| termstart2          = 26 September 2023          |predecessor2        = V. K. Saraswat
| successor2      =              | termend2          =
}}
}}
'''Kanwal Sibal''' is a career diplomat who retired as Foreign Secretary to the Government of [[India]]. In 2017, The Government of India awarded him with the [[Padma Shri]] award for his distinguished services in the field of Public Affairs.<ref>{{cite web |title=Padma Awards 2017 announced |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=157675 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=List of Padma awardees 2017 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/List-of-Padma-awardees-2017/article17092476.ece |website=The Hindu |language=en-IN |date=25 January 2017}}</ref>
'''Kanwal Sibal''' (born 18 November 1943) is a retired diplomat who served as [[Foreign Secretary of India]] from 2002 to 2003. The Government of India awarded him the [[Padma Shri]] award for his distinguished services in the field of Public Affairs in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |title=Padma Awards 2017 announced |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=157675 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=List of Padma awardees 2017 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/List-of-Padma-awardees-2017/article17092476.ece |website=The Hindu |language=en-IN |date=25 January 2017}}</ref> Post-retirement, he has been appointed as the Chancellor of [[Jawaharlal Nehru University]] since 2023 by the [[President of India]].


==Early life and education==
==Early life and education==
He was born on 18 November 1943 to noted Lawyer [[Hira Lall Sibal]], Padma Bhushan awardee.
He was born on 18 November 1943 to noted Lawyer [[Hira Lall Sibal]], Padma Bhushan awardee.


He graduated with an MA in English from Punjab University. Dr. Kanwal Sibal later graduated from the World Information Distributed University with the scientific degree of International Doctor of Philosophy and the scientific degree of Grand Doctor of Philosophy, in June 2006. Dr. Kanwal Sibal is the First Grand Doctor of Philosophy in India. He received the title of Full Professor from the European Academy of Informatization and the World Information Distributed University-WIDU.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eastwest.ngo/profile/amb-kanwal-sibal|title=Amb. Kanwal Sibal &#124; EastWest Institute}}</ref>
He graduated with an MA in English from [[Panjab University]]. Dr. Kanwal Sibal later graduated from the World Information Distributed University with the scientific degree of International Doctor of Philosophy and the scientific degree of Grand Doctor of Philosophy, in June 2006. Dr. Kanwal Sibal is the First Grand Doctor of Philosophy in India. He received the title of Full Professor from the European Academy of Informatization and the World Information Distributed University-WIDU.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.eastwest.ngo/profile/amb-kanwal-sibal|title=Amb. Kanwal Sibal &#124; EastWest Institute|website=www.eastwest.ngo}}</ref>


==Diplomatic career==
==Diplomatic career==
He was appointed to the Indian Foreign Service in July 1966.
He was appointed to the [[Indian Foreign Service]] in July 1966.


He served in Paris (August 1968 to July 1973), Dar es Salaam (August 1976 to October 1979), Lisbon (February 1980 to July 1982), and Kathmandu (July 1982 to September 1985). Dr. Sibal also served as Joint Secretary (Administration/West Europe) in the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India from January 1986 to April 1989, the Ambassador of India to Turkey (April 1989 to July 1992), the Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Washington (August 1992 to September 1995), the Ambassador of India to Egypt (September 1995 to March 1998), the Ambassador of India to France (March 1998 to June 2002) and Ambassador to Russia (2004 to 2007).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thinkworks.in/speakers/kanwal-sibal/|title = Kanwal Sibal}}</ref>
He served in Paris (August 1968 to July 1973), Dar es Salaam (August 1976 to October 1979), Lisbon (February 1980 to July 1982), and Kathmandu (July 1982 to September 1985). Dr. Sibal also served as Joint Secretary (Administration/West Europe) in the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India from January 1986 to April 1989, the Ambassador of India to Turkey (April 1989 to July 1992), the Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Washington (August 1992 to September 1995), the Ambassador of India to Egypt (September 1995 to March 1998), the Ambassador of India to France (March 1998 to June 2002) and Ambassador to Russia (2004 to 2007).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://thinkworks.in/speakers/kanwal-sibal/|title = Kanwal Sibal}}</ref>
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==Other posts held==
==Other posts held==
He was a member of India's National Security Advisory Board from November 2008 to November 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gatewayhouse.in/author/kanwal-sibal/|title = Kanwal Sibal, Author at Gateway House}}</ref>
He was a member of India's National Security Advisory Board from November 2008 to November 2010.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gatewayhouse.in/author/kanwal-sibal/|title = Kanwal Sibal, Author at Gateway House}}</ref>
In 2023, he became the chancellor of [[Jawaharlal Nehru University]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ex-foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal appointed new chancellor of JNU |url=https://www.educationtimes.com/article/campus-beat-college-life/99733731/ex-foreign-secretary-kanwal-sibal-appointed-new-chancellor-of-jnu |access-date=2023-10-04 |website=Education Times |language=en}}</ref>


==Family==
==Family==
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==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{s-start}}
{{s-dip}}
{{s-bef|before=Ranjit Sethi}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Ambassador of India to France]]|years=1998 - 2002}}
{{s-aft|after=Savitri Kunadi}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Chokila Iyer]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Foreign Secretary (India)|Foreign Secretary of India]]|years=2002 - 2003}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Shashank (diplomat)|Shashank]]}}
{{s-bef|before=[[K. Raghunath]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Ambassador of India to Russia]]|years=2004 - 2007}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Prabhat Prakash Shukla]]}}
{{s-end}}


{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Civil Service}}
{{Padma Shri Award Recipients in Civil Service}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Sibal, Kanwal}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Sibal, Kanwal}}
[[Category:Indian Foreign Secretaries]]
[[Category:Foreign secretaries of India]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:1943 births]]
[[Category:1943 births]]
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[[Category:Ambassadors of India to Egypt]]
[[Category:Ambassadors of India to Egypt]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in civil service]]
[[Category:Recipients of the Padma Shri in civil service]]
 
[[Category:Ambassadors of India to Russia]]
 
[[Category:People from Jalandhar]]
{{India-diplomat-stub}}

Latest revision as of 03:06, 12 February 2026


Kanwal Sibal
IFS (Retd.)
24th Foreign Secretary of India
In office
29 June 2002 – 19 November 2003
Prime MinisterAtal Bihari Vajpayee
Preceded byChokila Iyer
Succeeded byShashank
Chancellor of the Jawaharlal Nehru University
Assumed office
26 September 2023
Preceded byV. K. Saraswat
Personal details
Born (1943-11-18) 18 November 1943 (age 82)
OccupationDiplomat

Kanwal Sibal (born 18 November 1943) is a retired diplomat who served as Foreign Secretary of India from 2002 to 2003. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri award for his distinguished services in the field of Public Affairs in 2017.[1][2] Post-retirement, he has been appointed as the Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University since 2023 by the President of India.

Early life and education[edit | edit source]

He was born on 18 November 1943 to noted Lawyer Hira Lall Sibal, Padma Bhushan awardee.

He graduated with an MA in English from Panjab University. Dr. Kanwal Sibal later graduated from the World Information Distributed University with the scientific degree of International Doctor of Philosophy and the scientific degree of Grand Doctor of Philosophy, in June 2006. Dr. Kanwal Sibal is the First Grand Doctor of Philosophy in India. He received the title of Full Professor from the European Academy of Informatization and the World Information Distributed University-WIDU.[3]

Diplomatic career[edit | edit source]

He was appointed to the Indian Foreign Service in July 1966.

He served in Paris (August 1968 to July 1973), Dar es Salaam (August 1976 to October 1979), Lisbon (February 1980 to July 1982), and Kathmandu (July 1982 to September 1985). Dr. Sibal also served as Joint Secretary (Administration/West Europe) in the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India from January 1986 to April 1989, the Ambassador of India to Turkey (April 1989 to July 1992), the Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Washington (August 1992 to September 1995), the Ambassador of India to Egypt (September 1995 to March 1998), the Ambassador of India to France (March 1998 to June 2002) and Ambassador to Russia (2004 to 2007).[4]

Oraon abuse case[edit | edit source]

During Sibal's tenure as Ambassador of India to France in 1999, a diplomat at the embassy, Amrit Lugun, was accused by his family's live-in servant, Lalita Oraon, of sexual abuse after she had escaped from Lugun's household.[5] The French media and public was horrified to learn that Oraon had suffered "knife wounds, three to 6cm deep, all around the vagina" and the injuries were "consistent with an act of torture or deliberate mutilation" according to the description of an examining doctor to French media.[5][6] In the face of pressure on bilateral ties, Sibal continued to support Lugun and refused to remove him pending any probe.[5][7] When the Ministry of External Affairs attempted to send an Additional Secretary level official for further enquiry, an "enraged" Sibal complained to the Prime Minister's Office and had the investigation cancelled. India Today noted there was a "political colour" to Sibal's actions as his brother Kapil was a "high-profile Congress spokesman and Lugun's mother-in-law Sushila Kerketta a Congress MLA."[6]

Other posts held[edit | edit source]

He was a member of India's National Security Advisory Board from November 2008 to November 2010.[8]

In 2023, he became the chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University.[9]

Family[edit | edit source]

Kanwal Sibal's father was H.L. Sibal, a renowned advocate who was rendered homeless along with his entire family during partition. In 1994, H.L. Sibal was named a "Living Legend of the Law" by the International Bar Association and in 2006.

Indian National Congress politician and former Cabinet Minister Kapil Sibal is Kanwal's younger brother. Virender Sibal, Jitendar Sibal (both retired IAS officers) and Ms. Asha Nanda are his other siblings.[10]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. "Padma Awards 2017 announced". pib.gov.in.
  2. "List of Padma awardees 2017". The Hindu. 25 January 2017.
  3. "Amb. Kanwal Sibal | EastWest Institute". www.eastwest.ngo.
  4. "Kanwal Sibal".
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 Henley, Jon (16 September 1999). "Indian diplomat accused of torturing servant". The Guardian.
  6. 6.0 6.1 "Case of domestic violence involving Indian diplomat in Paris takes on political tones". India Today. 4 October 1999.
  7. Sidhva, Shiraz (4 October 1999). "Case of domestic violence involving Indian diplomat in Paris takes on political tones". India Today. Retrieved 27 August 2020.
  8. "Kanwal Sibal, Author at Gateway House".
  9. "Ex-foreign secretary Kanwal Sibal appointed new chancellor of JNU". Education Times. Retrieved 4 October 2023.
  10. "Kapil Sibal's Father Hira Lall Sibal Dead".
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by
Ranjit Sethi
Ambassador of India to France
1998 - 2002
Succeeded by
Savitri Kunadi
Preceded by
Chokila Iyer
Foreign Secretary of India
2002 - 2003
Succeeded by
Shashank
Preceded by
K. Raghunath
Ambassador of India to Russia
2004 - 2007
Succeeded by
Prabhat Prakash Shukla

Template:Indian civil servants