Vikas Swarup, (IFS Rtd), Diplomat, Author
Vikas Swarup, born on June 22, 1961, is a retired Indian diplomat and acclaimed writer. He concluded his distinguished career in the Indian Foreign Service as Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs on June 30, 2021. During his tenure, he served as the High Commissioner of India to Canada and as the official spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs. Swarup’s diplomatic career, which began in 1986, saw him serve in various capacities across Indian missions in Turkey, the United States, Ethiopia, the United Kingdom, South Africa, and Japan. Swarup is best known as the author of the novel Q & A, which was adapted into the Oscar-winning film Slumdog Millionaire. The novel, an international bestseller, has been translated into 43 languages and received several prestigious awards. His other notable works include Six Suspects and The Accidental Apprentice. Swarup has also written for prominent publications such as TIME, Newsweek, and The Guardian, and has participated in major literary festivals around the world. Known for his motivational talks, Swarup continues to engage audiences globally with his insights on literature and diplomacy.