Vikas Swarup takes over as Spokesperson in MEA

Senior diplomat Vikas Swarup, whose debut novel was made into the Oscar-winning movie "Slumdog Millionaire", on Saturday assumed charge as Spokesperson in the External Affairs Ministry.

A 1986 batch IFS officer, Swarup succeeded Syed Akbaruddin, who has been promoted as Additional Secretary in the External Affairs Ministry and will also be the Chief Coordinator for the India-Africa Summit in October.

Both Akbaruddin and Swarup had accompanied Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his three-nation tour and returned on Saturday.

Swarup is the author of internationally acclaimed novel "Q&A" which was made into "Slumdog Millionaire", which won eight Academy Awards in 2009, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Before assuming charge, Swarup was holding the charge of Joint Secretary (United Nations- Political) in the MEA.