Alexander Ellis appointed new British high commissioner to India

Ellis, who succeeds Philip Barton, is expected to be in the post during the visit of UK PM Boris Johnson, who will be the chief guest at India’s Republic Day parade on January 26

Career diplomat Alexander Ellis has been appointed British high commissioner to India and will take up the key role later this month, the British foreign office announced on Tuesday.

A photo of Alexander Ellis, the new British high commissioner to India. (GOV.UK)

Ellis, 53, has held several posts, including deputy national security adviser in the cabinet office, director-general in the department for exiting the European Union, and the British ambassador to Portugal. Ellis succeeds Philip Barton.

In August 2020, Barton was promoted as permanent undersecretary in the UK’s newly formed foreign, commonwealth and development office.