India, March 19 -- Vikram Doraiswami, who is currently India's high commissioner to United Kingdom, has been appointed as the new Ambassador of India to the People's Republic of China.

In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "Vikram K. Doraiswami (IFS:1992), currently India's high commissioner to the United Kingdom, has been appointed as the next ambassador to the People's Republic of China." He is expected to assume charge shortly.

India's decision to send a senior diplomat to Beijing comes as both sides attempt to rebuild ties strained by the over four-year-long border standoff in eastern Ladakh. Doraiswami will replace Pradeep Kumar Rawat.

Other key appointments include Secretary (East) P. Kumaran bein...