Phnom Penh: Wednesday 25th November 2020, H. E. Dr. Devyani Uttam Khobragade, Ambassador of India to the Kingdom of Cambodia, presented her Letters of Credence to His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of Cambodia at a grand ceremony in the Royal Palace.
Dr. Khobragade was granted Royal Audience by His Majesty following the presentation of Credentials. His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, while recalling the deep, longstanding, and abiding relationship shared by India and Cambodia not just in modern times but through centuries of cultural and religious linkages, welcomed Dr. Khobragade to Cambodia. His Majesty graciously appreciated the bilateral cooperation between India and Cambodia in all fields – political, cultural, economic development, including development cooperation projects, capacity building, etc. He especially appreciated the work of heritage conservation that India had carried out in Angkot Wat and Ta Prohm temples.
Ambassador Khobragade conveyed to His Majesty and the people of Cambodia warm greetings from the leadership and the people of India. Stressing the immense significance attached by India to its relations with Cambodia. She reiterated the abiding commitment to developing and strengthening the existing close friendly ties and cooperation between the two countries. Dr. Khobragade added that she would make every effort to take the longstanding friendship between India and Cambodia to a higher level in all fields of our engagement. She noted that India was honored and grateful to be the first country to be invited to assist in the conservation of Angkot Wat, which was an attestation of our deep cultural linkages, and that the restoration work had afforded to the current generations of Indians an opportunity to rediscover the rich heritage of Indian civilization and culture.
His Majesty congratulated the Ambassador and assured full support and cooperation from the Royal Government of Cambodia in discharging her responsibilities.
Prior to her current assignment, Dr. Devyani Khobragade headed the capacity building and cultural, heritage projects of the Ministry of External Affairs as Joint Secretary (Development Partnership Administration) since 2019. During her diplomatic career, she has served in Berlin, Islamabad, Rome, and New York. At headquarters in New Delhi, she has served in several divisions of the Ministry of External Affairs including Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Iran, Central Europe, Finance, Consular, Passport, Visa, and Cooperative Federalism Division. She speaks English, Marathi, Hindi, and German.
Dr. Khobragade has published a collection of short stories as well as a popular children’s book, The Adventures of Young Ambedkar. A certified Yoga instructor and a distance runner, she also has deep interests in Vipassana meditation and Buddhism.
Photo by: Supplied
