India's new envoy to Iran named

Saurabh Kumar, an IFS officer of 1989 batch, was today appointed as the next Indian Ambassador to Iran.

The officer is currently posted as a Joint Secretary in the National Security Council Secretariat.

He is expected to take up his assignment soon.

Notwithstanding US objections, India had earlier this month signed a crucial agreement with Iran for the development of the strategically important Chabahar port which will give India sea-land access route to Afghanistan bypassing Pakistan.