New envoy, new chapter: Neeraj Agrawal to lead India’s mission in Mauritania

Updated: November 20, 2025 05:01

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The Ministry of External Affairs has appointed Neeraj Agrawal (YOA: 2009) as the next Ambassador of India to Mauritania. Currently posted in the Ministry, he is expected to assume charge shortly. The appointment signals renewed momentum in India–Mauritania ties, with scope for collaboration across ports, energy, mining, power, agriculture, and education.

The appointment and timing

The MEA announced that Neeraj Agrawal, a 2009-batch IFS officer, has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, and will take up the assignment shortly. The move underscores India’s ongoing diplomatic expansion in West Africa and continuity in engagement through its post in Nouakchott.

India opened its Embassy in Mauritania in June 2021, institutionalizing ties and enabling sustained political, economic, and development cooperation—an important step for a region rich in fisheries, minerals, and ports with Atlantic access.

Strategic context for India–Mauritania ties

Mauritania has signalled interest in strengthening partnerships with India in port development (notably Nouadhibou), oil exploration, mining, power, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, engineering, and educational sectors. Agrawal’s posting aligns with these priorities and India’s broader outreach to Africa through development cooperation, capacity building, and trade facilitation.

The relationship has remained cordial, with India contributing to human resource development, infrastructure support, and skilling initiatives—areas likely to see deeper collaboration under the new envoy’s watch.

Key highlights

MEA confirmation:

Neeraj Agrawal (YOA: 2009), presently in the Ministry, appointed as Ambassador to Mauritania; assumption of charge expected soon.

Embassy footprint:

India’s Embassy in Nouakchott was opened in June 2021, formalizing diplomatic presence and enabling on-ground engagement.

Priority sectors:

Potential cooperation in ports (Nouadhibou), oil, mining, power, agriculture, pharma, engineering, and education, per Mauritania’s stated focus.

West Africa outreach:

Appointment reflects India’s continued diplomatic and development push in the region, leveraging capacity-building and trade links.

Continuity and momentum:

Agrawal’s role is expected to build on existing HRD and infrastructure support, advancing multi-sector partnerships.

What this means next

Expect early engagements around port-led logistics, energy and mining opportunities, and vocational education linkages, with the embassy facilitating B2B and government dialogues. Strengthening commercial ties and development partnerships could improve market access for Indian firms while supporting Mauritania’s growth objectives.

Sources: Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Press Release, ANI

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