India has appointed Ravi Shanker Goel as its new ambassador to Suriname. He succeeds Subhash Prasad Gupta, who earlier this week paid a farewell visit to President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons. The appointment was officially announced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday, October 15, 2026. Goel is currently India’s consul-general in Medan, Indonesia, and is expected to soon take up his new diplomatic post in Paramaribo.
The new ambassador is an experienced diplomat who has been part of India’s foreign service since 2009. During his career, he has held various positions, both at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi and at Indian diplomatic posts abroad.
According to his official biography on the website of the Indian Consulate in Medan, Goel has served at Indian missions in Algeria, Switzerland, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Saudi Arabia, Mongolia and Oman, among others. During these postings, he dealt with political, commercial, cultural and consular affairs.
He also has experience in international cooperation, finance and administrative matters. Before being appointed consul-general in Medan, he was Director of Cyber Diplomacy at India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
Goel was born on February 26, 1969. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Delhi and a master’s degree in history from Panjab University. In addition to Hindi and English, he also speaks French and Arabic.
Departing ambassador reflects on cooperation
Goel’s appointment follows shortly after the departure of Ambassador Subhash Prasad Gupta, who paid a farewell visit to President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons on Monday, October 12. Gupta represented India in Suriname since August 2024.
According to a report by the Kabinet van de President (Office of the President) on the farewell visit, Gupta looked back on his term with satisfaction. He mentioned, among other things, the provision of food aid, the handover of defence equipment and uniforms, and the implementation of development projects in Kwamalasamutu and Pusugurunu.
In addition, four so-called Quick Impact Projects were implemented during his term. These are small-scale development initiatives intended to deliver concrete results for local communities within a relatively short period.
More opportunities for agriculture and technology
During his farewell visit, Gupta also pointed to opportunities to further expand cooperation between India and Suriname. The departing diplomat sees opportunities particularly in agriculture, agro-industry, technology and digitalisation.
According to Gupta, India has knowledge and experience that can help Suriname strengthen its agricultural production, processing of agricultural products and technological development. Cooperation is also taking place in education and training in modern technology.
The departing ambassador also stressed the special historical and cultural relationship between the two countries. According to him, the Indian diaspora in Suriname is an important connecting factor that can further strengthen bilateral relations.
New ambassador takes office in anniversary year
Goel’s arrival takes place in a special year for diplomatic relations between Suriname and India. In 2026, both countries are celebrating the 50th anniversary of their official diplomatic relationship, which was established on January 23, 1976.
In January, Minister Melvin Bouva of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation and Ambassador Gupta presented a joint anniversary logo. This officially marked the start of the celebration of half a century of diplomatic cooperation.
An important part of this cooperation is the Indian Quick Impact Projects programme. In September 2025, both countries signed an agreement for the implementation of development projects. The agreement makes it possible to carry out up to five projects annually for five years, with an Indian contribution of up to USD 50,000 per project.
The projects include improvements to laboratory facilities at the Anton de Kom Universiteit, the rehabilitation of Roblesplein in Nickerie, modernisation of ICT facilities at Natin, and the construction of a synthetic jogging track in Wanica.
Cooperation was also further strengthened at the diplomatic level this year. In May, India’s Minister of External Affairs, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, paid an official visit to Suriname. Economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation were among the key areas of focus.
With Goel’s appointment, diplomatic cooperation gains a new representative. The further implementation of existing development projects and the use of new economic and technological opportunities are among the issues that may be relevant during his term.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has not yet announced an exact date on which Goel will begin his work in Suriname.
