Nagma Mohamed Mallick Appointed India’s Next Ambassador to Japan

Veteran diplomat and trailblazer Nagma Mohamed Mallick has been named India’s new envoy to Japan, marking another significant chapter in her distinguished foreign service career.

The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed Mallick’s appointment on Thursday. She will soon assume her new post in Tokyo, succeeding Sibi George, who recently took over as Secretary (West) at the MEA headquarters in New Delhi.

Currently serving as India’s Ambassador to Poland, Mallick brings with her over three decades of diplomatic experience, spanning countries across Europe, Asia, and Africa.

A Distinguished Diplomatic Career

An officer of the 1991 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Nagma Mallick began her career with postings in Paris at both the Indian Embassy and UNESCO. Over the years, she has held a range of influential roles, including:

• Deputy Chief of Mission in Thailand (2010–2012)

• Ambassador to Tunisia (2012–2015)

• High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam (2015–2018)

• Head of the Policy Planning Division (2019–2020)

• Additional Secretary (Africa), overseeing ties with Eastern and Southern African nations

• India's Ambassador to Poland since 2021

In Delhi, she has served in pivotal roles — as Deputy Spokesperson for the MEA, Director in the Eurasia Division (handling Russia and CIS affairs), and as the first woman to be appointed Deputy Chief of Protocol (Ceremonial).

A Rich Personal and Cultural Legacy

Born and raised in Delhi, Mallick proudly traces her roots to Kasaragod, Kerala. Her family history reflects a deep legacy of service and culture. Her grandfather, Puthiyapura Ahmed, was among the first Muslim lawyers in Kasaragod. Her uncle, Lt. P Mohammed Hasheem, was martyred in the 1965 India-Pakistan war, and a street in Kasaragod’s Thalangara honours his sacrifice.

She is also the niece of acclaimed Kannada writer Sara Aboobacker.

Multilingual and Multi-talented

A graduate in English Literature with a Master’s in Sociology, Mallick is fluent in English, French, Hindi, Urdu, and Malayalam. Beyond diplomacy, she has a strong passion for Indian classical arts, literature, fitness, and nutrition.

She is married to Fareed Inam Mallick, a lawyer based in Delhi, and the couple has two children.

Representing India in a Strategic Global Partnership

As she steps into her new role in Japan, Mallick takes charge at a time of growing strategic cooperation between India and Japan across trade, technology, defense, and regional security. Her wide-ranging experience and diplomatic acumen are expected to further strengthen this vital bilateral relationship.