Mr. Y. K. Sailas Thangal
Ambassador 

Mr. Sailas Thangal joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1996 and has served in many missions and posts in different capacities: He was the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) from September 2018 to December 2022, promoting India’s interests and fostering bilateral relations with the host government and other stakeholders. During his tenure as Ambassador he played a crucial role in promoting trade and investment, facilitating cultural exchange, negotiating and signing agreements to further consolidate bilateral relations. 

He served as Consul General of India in Guangzhou from 2015 to 2018, as well as Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission for the Embassy of India in Yangon, Myanmar from 2012 to 2015. From December 2006-December 2010, Mr. Sailas Thangal served as the Counsellor at the Embassy of India in The Hague, Netherlands and looked after India’s interest at International Organizations such as Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), International Court of Justice (ICJ), Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), and The Hague Conference on Private International Law. During his tenure in the Netherlands, he was instrumental in organizing a regional Pravasi Diwas for Europe and a month-long Festival of India in the Netherlands.  This was one of the largest India Festivals ever held in the country, showcasing the best of Indian culture in the Netherlands. From December 2003 to November 2006, he served as First Secretary in charge of Political, Cultural and Administration as Head of Chancery at the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

In the headquarters, he served as Additional Secretary as well as Joint Secretary, Director and Under Secretary to the Government of India. As AS & JS, he was looking after Establishment and Global Estate Management of the Ministry. As Director, External Publicity in the Ministry of External Affairs, (January 2010 - June 2012), worked closely with the media organizations, both Indian and foreign, based in India. He played an important role in the dissemination of information on the Government of India’s policy on various matters.  He was also the media liaison officer to the President of India whenever the President travelled to foreign countries. 

Mr. Sailas Thangal holds a Master’s Degree in Science from the Bangalore University.  He is married to Shanngamla Thangal and has a daughter and a son. His leisure activities include golf, photography, cooking and listening to music.

He assumed charge as the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Kazakhstan on 15 July 2025.

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