India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced a new diplomatic appointment on September 18, 2026. Senior diplomat Hansraj Singh Verma will serve as India’s next Ambassador to Cuba. This move continues India’s long diplomatic relationship with the Caribbean nation.
Verma is a respected officer with years of global experience. Below, you’ll find his full profile, career background, and answers to common questions about the appointment.
Quick Facts: Hansraj Singh Verma’s New Role
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Hansraj Singh Verma |
| New Position | Ambassador of India to Cuba |
| IFS Batch | 2008 |
| Current Posting | Consul General of India, Sao Paulo, Brazil |
| Announcement Date | September 18, 2026 |
| Announcing Body | Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India |
| Predecessor | T Armstrong Changsan |
| New Posting Location | Havana, Cuba |
| Assumption of Charge | Expected shortly |
Who Is Hansraj Singh Verma?
Hansraj Singh Verma is an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer from the 2008 batch. He currently serves as Consul General of India in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He will soon move to Havana to take up his new role as Ambassador.
His appointment reflects a steady, decades-long career across Indian missions worldwide.
Verma’s Career Background
Before his Brazil posting, Verma worked as Counsellor in-charge for Political and Commercial Affairs. This role was based at the Embassy of India in Buenos Aires.
Over the years, he has served in several countries. Here’s a look at his major postings:
- Assistant High Commission of India, Chittagong
- Embassy of India, Paris
- High Commission of India, Accra
- Consulate General of India, Frankfurt
- High Commission of India, Maputo
- Embassy of India, Lisbon
- Embassy of India, Buenos Aires
- Consulate General of India, Sao Paulo (his most recent posting)
He also held an important headquarters role in New Delhi. From March 2019 to July 2021, he served as Deputy Chief of Protocol at MEA Headquarters. In this role, he managed:
- Passport and visa matters
- Extradition cases
- United Nations affairs
- Protocol duties
- Administrative functions
This wide-ranging experience makes him well-suited for his new post in Cuba.
Who Is He Succeeding?
Verma takes over from T Armstrong Changsan, the outgoing Ambassador of India to Cuba. The handover is expected to happen smoothly as Verma prepares to move to Havana.
India-Cuba Relations: A Quick Overview
India and Cuba share a friendly relationship that goes back decades. India’s first head of mission presented credentials in Havana on January 12, 1960. Since then, both countries have stayed connected on the world stage.
They often coordinate at:
- The United Nations (UN)
- The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)
- Other international forums
Key Areas of Cooperation
The two nations work together in a few major areas:
- Development and Disaster Relief — India has provided disaster relief to Cuba after hurricanes over the past several years.
- Energy Cooperation — This remains an important part of the bilateral relationship.
- Diplomatic Coordination — Both countries support each other on shared international platforms.
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Career Timeline at a Glance
| Period | Posting |
|---|---|
| Early career | Chittagong, Paris, Accra, Frankfurt, Maputo, Lisbon |
| March 2019 – July 2021 | Deputy Chief of Protocol, MEA Headquarters, New Delhi |
| Post-2021 | Counsellor (Political & Commercial Affairs), Buenos Aires |
| Until September 2026 | Consul General, Sao Paulo, Brazil |
| September 2026 onward | Ambassador of India to Cuba |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Cuba?
Hansraj Singh Verma, a 2008-batch IFS officer, has been appointed as India’s next Ambassador to Cuba. He currently serves as Consul General of India in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
When was the appointment announced?
The Ministry of External Affairs made the announcement on Thursday, September 18, 2026.
What is Verma’s current role?
He is the Consul General of India at the Consulate General of India in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
When will he take charge in Havana?
He is expected to take up his new post shortly. An exact date has not been announced yet.
Who was the previous Ambassador to Cuba?
T Armstrong Changsan served as the outgoing Ambassador of India to Cuba before Verma’s appointment.
What is Verma’s IFS batch?
He belongs to the 2008 batch of the Indian Foreign Service.
Where has Verma served before this appointment?
He has served in Chittagong, Paris, Accra, Frankfurt, Maputo, Lisbon, Buenos Aires, and Sao Paulo across his career.
What role did he hold at MEA Headquarters?
He served as Deputy Chief of Protocol from March 2019 to July 2021. His work covered passports, visas, extradition, UN affairs, and protocol matters.
When did India-Cuba diplomatic relations begin?
India’s first head of mission to Cuba presented credentials on January 12, 1960, in Havana.
What are the main areas of India-Cuba cooperation?
The two countries cooperate on disaster relief, energy, and coordination at global forums like the UN and NAM.
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