Indian diplomat Atul Khare named as head of a UN department for peacekeeping missions

United Nations: Senior Indian diplomat Atul Khare has been named by Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as the head of the UN department that provides dedicated support to peacekeeping missions around the world, making him one of the highest ranking Indian officials in the world body.

Khare, 55 will succeed Bangladesh's Ameerah Haq as the Under-Secretary-General for Field Support, Department of Field Support (DFS).

A statement issued by Ban's spokesperson said that Khare "brings to the position strategic management and innovative reform expertise in both headquarters and field perspective."

The senior diplomat, who has won awards during his career, said he looks forward to contributing to the UN Chief's efforts of promoting peace and stability.

"I hope to fulfil the trust reposed in me by the UN Secretary-General and contribute to his efforts to make the world peaceful and a better place for all," Khare told PTI in an email response.

The Permanent Mission of India to the UN welcomed the announcement, expressing confidence that Khare will discharge the important responsibilities entrusted to him with complete distinction.

The other high-ranking Indian diplomat in the UN is Vijay Nambiar, the Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Myanmar, a role he has held since 2010.

Nambiar has also served as Chef de Cabinet to the Secretary-General at the rank of Under-Secretary-General from 2007-2012.

Currently providing charitable medical advice in India, Khare has had a long senior career with the United Nations, most recently as Assistant Secretary-General leading the Change Management Team (2011-2012) and Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations and Deputy Head of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations in New York (2010-2011).

He was previously Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Timor-Leste and Head of the United Nations Integrated Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) at the level of Under-Secretary-General (2006-2009), working earlier as Chief of Staff and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General with the United Nations Mission of Support in East Timor (UNMISET).