ISSUE
Friday, January 16, 2026
Volume 17 . Issue 02
The Government of India announced on 19 January 2026 the appointment of Muanpuii Saiawi (IFS: 2005) as the next High Commissioner of India to New Zealand. She is currently serving as a Joint Secretary in the Ministry and is expected to take up the assignment shortly.
Saiawi will succeed Ms Neeta Bhushan, who has served as India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand since 2022. Bhushan joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1994 and has had a long diplomatic career, serving in several countries including Japan, Bangladesh, Germany, the UAE, and the United States.
A High Commissioner is the senior diplomat representing one country in another Commonwealth nation and serves as the head of mission. The role involves managing diplomatic relations, promoting trade and cultural ties, providing consular services, directing the High Commission’s operations, acting as the primary link between the home government and the host country.
Saiawi’s appointment comes at a time when India and New Zealand are working to strengthen bilateral ties, following a recent announcement that the two countries concluded Free Trade Agreement talks.
Saiawi’s exact date of assuming charge in New Zealand is yet to be confirmed.
The Government of India announced on 19 January 2026 the appointment of Muanpuii Saiawi (IFS: 2005) as the next High Commissioner of India to New Zealand. She is currently serving as a Joint Secretary in the Ministry and is expected to take up the assignment shortly.
Saiawi will succeed Ms Neeta...
The Government of India announced on 19 January 2026 the appointment of Muanpuii Saiawi (IFS: 2005) as the next High Commissioner of India to New Zealand. She is currently serving as a Joint Secretary in the Ministry and is expected to take up the assignment shortly.
Saiawi will succeed Ms Neeta Bhushan, who has served as India’s High Commissioner to New Zealand since 2022. Bhushan joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1994 and has had a long diplomatic career, serving in several countries including Japan, Bangladesh, Germany, the UAE, and the United States.
A High Commissioner is the senior diplomat representing one country in another Commonwealth nation and serves as the head of mission. The role involves managing diplomatic relations, promoting trade and cultural ties, providing consular services, directing the High Commission’s operations, acting as the primary link between the home government and the host country.
Saiawi’s appointment comes at a time when India and New Zealand are working to strengthen bilateral ties, following a recent announcement that the two countries concluded Free Trade Agreement talks.
Saiawi’s exact date of assuming charge in New Zealand is yet to be confirmed.
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