NAIROBI (SD) – The government of India has appointed new ambassador to Somalia to boost its relationship with East Africa nation region.

In a statement, Indian foreign ministry said India replaced its ambassador to Somalia Rahul Chhapra with Virander Kumar Paul.

Virander is who Indian high commissioner to Kenya will also serve Indian envoy to Somalia.

“Dr Virander Kumar Paul, High Commissioner of India to Kenya, has been concurrently accredited as the next Ambassador of India to Somalia, with residence in Nairobi,” the ministry said.

 Chhabra has been serving as Indian Ambassador to Somalia since 2018.

India appointed its first ambassador to Somalia in 1961.

Somalia has embassy in New Delhi.