Learn about Syed Akbaruddin, a distinguished Indian diplomat who has significantly contributed to India’s international relations. This comprehensive biography delves into his life, career, and achievements.

Wiki/Biography

Syed Akbaruddin was born on Wednesday, April 27, 1960 (age 63 as of 2023), in Hyderabad, India. His zodiac sign is Taurus. He completed his schooling at Hyderabad Public School, Begumpet. He then graduated from Nizam College, Hyderabad, and earned a Master’s degree in Political Science and International Relations from Osmania University, Hyderabad.

Physical Appearance

• Height (approx.): 6’2”
• Eye Colour: Black
• Hair Colour: Salt & Pepper

Family, Caste & Wife

Akbaruddin hails from an educated Muslim family. His father, Professor Syed Bashiruddin, was a renowned Indian diplomat, and his mother, Dr. Zeba Bashiruddin, was a professor in the English department at Sri Sathya Sai University. He is married to Padma Akbaruddin, and they have two sons.

Career

Syed Akbaruddin joined the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) in 1985. His career has been marked by significant roles within the Ministry of External Affairs and on the international stage.

Key positions held include:

• First Secretary at the Indian Mission to the United Nations (1995-1998)
• Member of the Advisory Committee on Administrative & Budgetary Questions (ACABQ) (1997-1998)
• Counsellor at the Indian High Commission, Islamabad
• Consul General at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (2000-2004)
• Various roles in Riyadh and Cairo, Egypt
• Deputation at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna (2006-2011)
• Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs (2012-2015)
• Additional Secretary in the Ministry of External Affairs (2015)
• Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations (2017-Present)

His tenure as spokesperson saw effective use of social media for public diplomacy.

Favourite Things

• Leader: Mahatma Gandhi
• Poet: Rabindranath Tagore

Salary

His salary as the Indian Ambassador to the United Nations is approximately Rs. 2.40 Lakhs, plus allowances.

Facts

Syed Akbaruddin enjoys outdoor games and listening to music. He was reportedly popular during his college days and involved in student politics. His father’s career as a diplomat significantly influenced his own path. He played a key role in several significant international policy initiatives during Sushma Swaraj’s tenure as External Affairs Minister.

His contributions extend to:

• Successfully advocating for the UN designation of Jaish-e-Mohammad Chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.
• Promoting cycling globally on World Cycling Day in 2019.
• Playing a role in the international recognition of International Yoga Day.

He is known for being focused, articulate, and soft-spoken.

Key Achievements Summary