Patna: Nalanda-born diplomat Abhay Kumar has taken charge as India’s ambassador to Azerbaijan after presenting his credentials to President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on Friday, reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation between the two countries.A 2003-batch IFS officer, Kumar conveyed his resolve to deepen India-Azerbaijan ties and explore new avenues of cooperation in areas of mutual interest. He also stressed the importance of strengthening longstanding bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between the people of the two countries.Kumar, who hails from Bihar, has represented India in various diplomatic assignments. He is also an author and artist and has held several solo art exhibitions across the world. His books include Nalanda: How it Changed the World. He also wrote the Earth Anthem.During the discussions in Baku, the two sides exchanged views on expanding bilateral cooperation.Reference was also made to the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Aliyev in Bishkek in Sept on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit. The interaction underscored the importance of high-level exchanges in advancing bilateral relations.jainarain.sports@gmail.com
