Vikas Swarup

Ex diplomat, former High Commissioner to Canada, & author of Slumdog Millionaire, Six Suspects, The Accidental Apprentice & The Girl with the Seven Lives.

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

Always a pleasure catching up with my friend Professor @Yascha_Mounk at @EFNI_Poland in Sopot. Fascinating to hear about his forthcoming book, which turns his attention to AI. Few subjects demand more thoughtful debate about the world we are creating.

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

At @EFNI_Poland in Sopot, joined former Austrian Chancellor @a_schallenberg and other eminent experts to debate European Strategic Autonomy: Utopia or Real Prospect? Shared India’s perspective as a country that has practised strategic autonomy for nearly 80 years.

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

A lovely meeting with the Mayor of Sopot @JachimMagdalena. This charming seaside city has won me over with its beauty, relaxed atmosphere and unmistakable character. A pleasure to exchange views with Madam Mayor on the city she so clearly cares about. 🇵🇱

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

A memorable meeting today with Poland’s former Prime Minister @LBalcerowicz. What struck me was his remarkable blend of wisdom, warmth and accessibility. A stimulating conversation, and a privilege to hear his perspectives on Poland and the world.

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

Delighted to be participating in the European Forum for New Ideas @EFNI_Poland in Sopot, a wonderful opportunity to exchange perspectives on the geopolitical shifts reshaping our world and the future of Europe-India relations.

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

From the historic charm of Gdańsk to the seaside elegance of its twin city, Sopot! 🇵🇱 A lovely change of pace, with its beautiful beaches, grand architecture and the famous wooden pier stretching into the Baltic Sea.

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

Super impressed by Gdańsk’s Old Town! 🇵🇱 A stunning blend of colourful facades, beautiful architecture and centuries of history. Every street seems to tell a story. Poland continues to surprise and delight me!

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

One of the pleasures of being in Warsaw was sharing a platform with two valued colleagues, Ambassador @harshvshringla and Ambassador Neeta Bhushan. Always special to reconnect with friends who have shared India's diplomatic journey. 🇮🇳🇵🇱

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

A packed house at the University of Warsaw for a stimulating discussion on Poland and India: Strategic Partners in a Changing World Order. I spoke about the opportunities the India-EU FTA opens up for deeper economic cooperation between our two countries.

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

Day 2 in Warsaw began over breakfast with a group of Polish CEOs, organised by Dr Małgorzata Bonikowska,President of the Centre of International Relations at University of Warsaw. A stimulating exchange of ideas on business opportunities & the future of India-Poland economic ties

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

A pleasure to meet The Rt Hon @HelenClarkNZ , former Prime Minister of New Zealand, in Warsaw. Good to elicit her views on global affairs, geopolitics and a world in flux. 🇳🇿

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

A good catch-up with Ambassador Neeta Bhushan in Warsaw. She’s been working tirelessly to strengthen India-Poland ties, which are set to get a further boost with PM @donaldtusk 's upcoming visit to India. 🇮🇳🇵🇱 @IndiainPoland

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

First time in Poland, and Warsaw has already caught my fancy! A beautiful mix of old-world charm, grand architecture, lively streets and cosy cafés. There’s so much to explore, so much history around every corner. Looking forward to discovering more of this fascinating city!

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

Frenetic Tokyo, where neon lights never dim, crowds move at dizzying speed, and every street seems to have a rhythm of its own. A city of glorious contradictions, where ancient traditions and futuristic dreams collide, and the energy is simply infectious. 🇯🇵

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

A special pleasure to catch up with Professor Tomio Mizokami, a true institution in the world of India-Japan cultural ties and a proud recipient of the Padma Shri. His lifelong commitment to bringing our two cultures closer is deeply inspiring. 🇮🇳🇯🇵

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

A riot of colour, sound, music, dance and food! India Mela is India in all its exuberance, right in the heart of Kobe. Fifteen years on, the festival continues to bring India and Japan closer, one performance, one flavour and one friendship at a time. 🇮🇳🇯🇵

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

The highlight of my trip was the 15th anniversary of India Mela, the large scale cultural festival I initiated as Consul General in 2010. It was special to see the seed planted with the support of the Indian community and local artists grow into such a beautiful flowering tree.

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

Participated in a seminar in Kobe on Make in India, with a special focus on Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh, organised by the Consulate General of India. An excellent platform to highlight investment opportunities and deepen India-Japan economic ties. @IndianConsOsaka

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

It was a pleasure to meet Mr Toshizo Ido, who was Governor of Hyogo Prefecture during my tenure as Consul General in Osaka-Kobe (2009-2013). A lovely opportunity to reconnect and reminisce about the years we worked together to strengthen India-Kansai ties.

[Vikas Swarup @VikasSwarup]

Osaka, a city that never does anything by halves. Vibrant, full of character, and with a personality all its own.