India's diplomacy, 16 to 22 March 2026

4 developments with 4 countries, from Ministry of External Affairs publications. Each links to its source.

Monday, 16 March

Statement United States
India rejects 2026 USCIRF annual report as motivated and biased
Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India categorically rejects the "motivated and biased characterization of India" in the 2026 Annual Report of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom. He said USCIRF should reflect on attacks on Hindu temples in the United States and intimidation of members of the Indian diaspora there.
Source: Official Spokesperson’s response to media queries regarding the 2026 Annual Report of United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India

Other China
Vikram K. Doraiswami appointed India's next Ambassador to China
Shri Vikram K. Doraiswami (IFS:1992), High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the People's Republic of China and is expected to take up the assignment shortly.
Source: Shri Vikram K. Doraiswami appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Peoples Republic of China, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India

Dialogue Italy
Ninth India-Italy Foreign Office Consultations held in New Delhi
The 9th India-Italy Foreign Office Consultations were held in New Delhi on 20 March 2026, led by Secretary (West) Sibi George and Ambassador Nicoletta Bombardiere. Both sides reviewed the Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-29, agreed on implementing the joint initiative to counter terrorist financing, and agreed to hold the next round in Italy.
Source: 9th India-Italy Foreign Office Consultations (March 20, 2026), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India
Dialogue Republic of Korea
Secretary (East) and Korean First Vice Foreign Minister hold consultations in New Delhi
Secretary (East) P. Kumaran held consultations with First Vice Foreign Minister Park Yoon-joo in New Delhi on 20th March 2026. They reviewed bilateral relations, agreed that shipbuilding and the maritime sector is a key priority, and agreed to explore critical minerals, AI, digital technologies and sustainability. Park also called on External Affairs Minister Jaishankar.
Source: India-ROK Secretary (East) - Vice Minister Consultations, Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India

Each summary is taken from the MEA publication it links to. How we verify