Writer-diplomat Pavan K Varma, an IFS officer who served in several key positions in India and abroad, has assumed charge as India's new Ambassador to Bhutan.
Varma, who was taken to Tashichhodzong palace here after a traditional ceremony, presented his credentials to King Jigme Khesar Namgyal. The king also hosted a lunch for the writer-diplomat.
A 1976-batch IFS officer served in several positions which include Press Secretary to the President of India, High Commissioner to Cyprus, External Affairs Ministry spokesman and Joint Secretary (Africa) in the ministry besides in various capacities in Indian missions in New York and Moscow.
He succeeded Sudhir Vyas, who has been named the Indian ambassador to Germany. Prior to this appointment, Varma was the director general of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations in New Delhi. A well-known writer, Varma has written over a dozen books.