Ambassador Nagma Mohamed Mallick Appointed as India’s Envoy to Japan: Strengthening India–Japan Relations and Women’s Leadership in Diplomacy

New Delhi, October 2025.

Nagma Mohamed Mallick’s appointment as India’s next Ambassador to Japan marks another defining moment in Indian diplomacy - one that blends experience, inclusivity, and strategic vision. A career diplomat with over three decades of distinguished service, she represents the finest traditions of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and embodies the evolving face of modern Indian diplomacy.

A Trailblazer in Indian Diplomacy

Nagma Mohamed Mallick joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1991, becoming the first Muslim woman to do so — a landmark achievement that reflects India’s inclusive and secular ethos. Her journey stands as a testament to a nation where diversity and merit coexist harmoniously, and where dedication to national service transcends faith and gender.

Early in her career, she served as India’s first woman Deputy Chief of Protocol (Ceremonial), a key position responsible for organizing state visits, international summits, and high-level diplomatic events. Her attention to detail and professionalism earned her wide recognition in the diplomatic community.

She also served as Deputy Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, where she managed media relations and articulated India’s foreign policy positions at critical junctures. This role sharpened her understanding of public diplomacy and the importance of clear communication in foreign affairs.

A Distinguished Diplomatic Career

Ambassador Mallick’s career reflects both depth and breadth across continents and portfolios. She served as Ambassador of India to the Republic of Tunisia from October 2012 to November 2015, strengthening bilateral ties in political, economic, and cultural spheres. From December 2015 to December 2018, she was High Commissioner of India to Brunei Darussalam, deepening India’s outreach in Southeast Asia under the “Act East” policy.

She is presently serving as Ambassador of India to Poland and Lithuania a posting that underscores her role in enhancing India’s engagement with Europe through trade, innovation, and education partnerships.

Across assignments, Ambassador Mallick has demonstrated a unique blend of strategic insight, cultural empathy, and commitment to excellence, earning her a reputation as one of India’s most capable and trusted diplomats.

Second Indian Woman Envoy to Japan

Upon her transition to Tokyo, Ambassador Nagma Mohamed Mallick will become the second Indian woman to serve as Ambassador to Japan, following Ambassador Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa (2012–2015), another distinguished IFS officer who strengthened the foundation of India–Japan ties. Mallick’s appointment continues this legacy of women leadership at one of India’s most important missions abroad.

The ambassadorship to Japan is among the most strategic in the Ministry of External Affairs, given Tokyo’s vital role in India’s economic modernization, regional stability, and global partnerships. Ambassador Mallick assumes the role at a time when India–Japan relations are expanding rapidly across technology, infrastructure, defense, and innovation.

Ambassador Deepa Gopalan Wadhwa, Former Envoy of India to Japan, congratulated and remarked: "Very glad to hear of Nagma Mallik’s appointment as ambassador of India to Japan. She is a highly regarded professional diplomat and well chosen for the important assignment to Tokyo at a time when relations have received a strong filip during the PM Modi- Ishiba summit 2 months ago."

India–Japan: A Partnership for the Future

India and Japan share a Special Strategic and Global Partnership, founded on mutual trust, shared democratic values, and a common vision for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific. Their cooperation spans multiple dimensions — from high-speed rail and semiconductor development to green energy, defense collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges.

Ambassador Mallick’s experience in both Asian and European contexts positions her ideally to guide this evolving partnership. Her leadership will help sustain momentum in key initiatives such as digital transformation, resilient supply chains, and innovation ecosystems — all vital to shaping the future of Indo-Pacific stability and prosperity.

Diplomacy with Cultural and Economic Depth

Throughout her career, Ambassador Mallick has effectively leveraged cultural diplomacy as a bridge of understanding. From promoting Indian art and yoga to celebrating India’s festivals abroad, she has highlighted the soft power that underpins India’s global presence.

Her record in economic diplomacy — advancing trade, investment, and business collaborations, complements her cultural engagement. Whether in Europe, Africa, or Southeast Asia, she has been instrumental in building partnerships that reflect India’s aspirations for inclusive global growth.

A Symbol of Modern Indian Diplomacy

Ambassador Nagma Mohamed Mallick’s journey symbolizes the transformation of modern Indian diplomacy - diverse, dynamic, and globally confident. As the first Muslim woman in the IFS, she broke barriers that once defined gender and representation in foreign service. Her career stands as an inspiration to young diplomats, particularly women, who aspire to serve India on the world stage.

Her appointment also reflects India’s commitment to merit-driven, inclusive leadership within its foreign policy framework - a principle that strengthens the country’s democratic and global identity.

Looking Ahead

As India’s next Ambassador to Japan, Nagma Mohamed Mallick takes on one of the most strategically significant roles in India’s diplomatic network. Her extensive experience, nuanced understanding of international relations, and deep sense of cultural connection will help steer the India–Japan partnership toward new dimensions of trust, technology, and transformation.

Her tenure promises to deepen the bonds between New Delhi and Tokyo, ensuring that the partnership between the Ganga and the Fuji continues to thrive as a cornerstone of peace and progress in Asia.